Inderjeet Parihar, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Kishtwar Development Authority talks to The News Now about the largest district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Kishtwar, which was anciently known as Kashtavata. In this excerpt, he shares upcoming developments and initiatives to make the most of its tourism potential. Read On.
- Please tell us about Kishtwar Development Authority.
Kishtwar Development Authority came into existence on 27-9-2005 vide Government Order No. 209TSM of 2005. Initially, the areas that were under the jurisdiction of KDA were Kishtwar Town and its surroundings. Later, the jurisdiction was extended to the whole of the district.
Rich in almost all kinds of tourism viz pilgrimage, eco-tourism, heritage and adventure tourism, Kishtwar is the largest district of the UT, spreading over of the 7737 Sq.km. The entire region is bisected by the River Chenab interspersed with lofty snowcapped mountains, gushing streams, dense forests and sprawling highland pastures and meadows. It is connected with Kashmir Valley via Sinthan Pass, and with Himachal Pradesh State via Gulabgarh-Sansari road.
Some of the mention worthy tourist destinations spread across its length and breadth are Pochhal, Menthlan, Kalamsatar, Sarthal, Devi Gol, Bimal Nag, Bhandarkoot, Mughal Maidan, Chatroo, Chingam, Sinthan Valley, Sinthan Top, Famber, Gulabgarh, Padder, Machail, Hud Mata, Dachhan, Marwah, Warwan and Morgan Top.
There are several hotels/guest houses by KDA at some of these destinations to accommodate thousands of tourists and/or pilgrims visiting annually. Various other assets have also been created, such as Hutments at Bimal Nag, TRC at Sarthal Devi Ji, View Point at Malipeth, Saffron Saffari at Pochhal, Restaurant, View Point at Menthlan, Hutments, Restaurant and View Point at Mughal Maidan, Hutments, TRC, toilet complex at Chatroo, View Point at Padder, Tourist Facilitation Center at Gulabgarh, Padder, Illumination in Kishtwar city, Parade Ground, Chowgan, Water body at Chatroo, Entry Gate at Malipeth/Chowgan Ground/Thakrie etc.
- How do you plan to attract tourists to this famous and abundantly blessed destination post COVID19?
Due to COVID19 pandemic, local as well as domestic tourist footfall has been adversely affected. Not only that, the pilgrimages to major shrines have been called off or restricted. But gradually, we are opening up. To attract tourists while adhering to COVID norms, we are planning to publicize the hidden and unexplored destinations, and offer discounts at KDA assets.
- What are the upcoming infrastructural developments in Kishtwar
With the rising popularity of the district, KDA is soon going to improve upon its tourist infrastructure. It will build more hutments, TRCs, Restaurants, shelter places, View Points and so on from Dedpeth to Sinthan Maidan, including Sinthan Top. Also, KDA has submitted a list of projects to be completed under PMDP-II which includes tourist infrastructures from Gulabgarh Padder to Machail Mata, such as shelter places, toilet complexes, dormitories, and TRCs.
- An alternative approach to tourism, eco-tourism, is being hailed as a comprehensive policy. How is KDA going about it?
KDA has planned a number of projects to be taken up as part of the eco-tourism initiative which include eco-huts, eco-cafeteria, eco-shelter sheds, eco-viewpoints in collaboration with the Forest Department as most of the area of KDA falls under the jurisdiction of that department.
Moreover, KDA has explored various routes for trekking, biking, peaks for mountaineering expeditions, sites for paragliding, and white water rafting amongst other activities.
- What tourism activities are we looking forward to this year in Kishtwar
KDA is trying to emphasize more on the adventure tourism potential of the district. For the upcoming Winter season from October 2021 to February 2022, we have planned to organize trekking in Padder and Dachhan areas. The authority is also dedicated to conduct Marathon, Cycle Rally, Bike Rally, winter games and snow trekking. Besides, a special drive will be conducted to facilitate tourists at hydroelectric projects running in the district.
KDA has decided to celebrate 25th Katak, one of the important local festivals inviting participation of thousands of pilgrims, in collaboration with Auqaf Authorities. Further, it has decided to celebrate Deepawali and Lohri festivals at a grand scale.
Also: Read my article at The News Now
KDA to publicize hidden, unexplored destinations of Kishtwar
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