DH NEWS SERVICE
PAHALGAM, jun 14
Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Transport, Information Technology, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Science & Technology, and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma today visited the famous tourist destination of Pahalgam and interacted with tourists, local stakeholders and transporters to assess the tourism infrastructure and public service ecosystem in the area.
During the visit, the Minister reviewed the facilities available for visitors and took stock of the overall arrangements being made to accommodate the increasing influx of tourists. He inspected various public amenities and stressed the need to maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, transportation and visitor services to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for tourists visiting the region. Interacting with tourists from different parts of the country, Sharma extended a warm welcome to them and highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s unmatched natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality.
He expressed satisfaction over the growing tourist footfall in the Valley and said that the increasing number of visitors reflects the confidence of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir as a safe and attractive destination.
The Minister said that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure and improving facilities at all major tourist destinations.
He added that sustained efforts are being made to enhance connectivity, upgrade public amenities and improve service delivery systems to provide visitors with a comfortable and enriching travel experience.
During his interaction with local tourism stakeholders, including hoteliers, traders and service providers, Sharma appreciated their contribution towards promoting Pahalgam as one of the country’s premier tourist destinations.
He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to further improve tourism services and maintain the destination’s popularity among visitors.
The Minister also met representatives of the transport sector and discussed issues related to transportation facilities, traffic management and passenger convenience.
The transporters apprised him of various concerns and suggestions aimed at improving transport services in the area. Sharma assured them that their genuine issues would be examined sympathetically and that necessary measures would be taken to strengthen transportation facilities across the region.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, the Minister said that tourism remains a key driver of economic growth and employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that the government is focused on creating new opportunities for local communities while ensuring that tourism development remains environmentally responsible and beneficial to all stakeholders.
The Minister observed that the tourism sector plays a crucial role in supporting thousands of families associated with hospitality, transport, handicrafts and other allied industries. He said that improving tourism infrastructure and services will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute significantly to the economic development of the region.
The visit reflects the government’s continued focus on promoting tourism, strengthening infrastructure and ensuring efficient public services at major tourist destinations. Pahalgam, known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate, continues to attract large numbers of tourists every year and remains one of the most sought-after destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.
