Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer A Khan Wednesday chaired a meeting here to review overall functioning of tourism department.
Secretarytourism apprised the Advisor of the challenges being faced by the stakeholdersin the wake of COVID19 pandemic and its economic impact on the sector.
Hegave a detailed overview of the department, highlights of the sector and theactivities undertaken over the years to promote and expand tourism in Jammu andKashmir.
The status of variousschemes viz PMDP, PMRP and PRASAD of government of India and progress ofongoing works in the Tourism Development Authorities (TDA’s) was also reviewed.
Takingnote of the challenges being faced by the tourism stakeholders in the wake ofCOVID19, Advisor said the government was aware of these difficulties and wastaking up measures to help the stressed stakeholders through income support andother possible measures.
Whilereviewing tourism developmental works, Advisor emphasized completion of theongoing projects in a time bound manner.
Heasked the directorates and CEOs of the Tourism Development Authorities toprioritize such projects which can be completed immediately and were of immenseutility for the sector and tourist destinations.
Regardingissue of proper use of land and implementation of Master Plans in areas undervarious Tourism Development Authorities, Advisor directed that no violation ofthe Plans be allowed and strict action should be initiated againstencroachments.
Hesaid CEOs of TDAs will be held responsible for any violation or encroachment inareas under their jurisdiction.
He asked the CEOs of TDAsto make an inventory of assets, undertake asset mapping and audit of executedworks from the engineering point of view.