Trekking emerging as potential adventure tourism in J&K: Arun Mehta

Yogesh Sharma

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta said that trekking is emerging as a “potential adventure tourism” in the union territory and the department will make all-out efforts to tap that potential.

The cabinet secretary said while inaugurating the 5.5 km gentle forest trek route around Shankaracharya Hills in Srinagar on Thursday.

The Shankarachary a 360-degree trekking trail offers a 360-degree view of Srinagar City and the surrounding landscapes.

Mehta also directed that basic amenities like signages, sitting benches, and viewpoints should be developed on this trail to facilitate the trekkers while keeping the aesthetic sense and environment in mind.

“Proper care should be taken to keep the trekking routes neat and clean of plastics and other wastage and also the efforts should be taken to make the trekking more interesting to attract people towards this adventure tourism,” he told the officials.

He also interacted with the trekkers and saw the equipment and gear that have been made available to the trekkers.

Chief Secretary said that trekking in Jammu and Kashmir provides a closer sneak peek into the culture of mountain dwellers as one enjoys the rugged mountains, lush green meadows, diverse forests, and breathtaking scenic views.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole, Principal Chief Conservator Forests (PCCF), Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other officers accompanied the Chief Secretary during his visit. 

Chief Secretary also visited the Hokarsar Wetland Conservation Reserve and reviewed the progress of conservation for the Ramsar site.

During the interactions,  he directed that all measures should be put in place so that at least 3 feet level of water is maintained at the conservation reserve at all times.

The secretary also directed that efforts should be put in place to get rid of the plastics there and take proper care of the environment and the habitat of the bird species.

He also inquired about the number of bird species visiting the place and said that facilities should also be put in place for the convenience of visitors. On desiltation process, he said the project should be taken on a priority to protect the habitat of the birds and said that all the above activities should be fully completed by July 2022.

Later, Chief Secretary also visited Dal Lake and flagged off modern machines with modern technological interventions in a bid to speed up the cleaning operations of the Lake.

“Dal Lake is having great importance with respect to the tourism, culture and other sectors of Jammu and Kashmir and said that all efforts are being done for fully extracting the unwanted weeds from the famous Lake,” he said.