Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday outlined a multi-pronged strategy to expand tourism in the Jammu region, develop new destinations and promote the division as a year-round tourist destination, while stressing that tourism infrastructure must be tailored to the unique character of each destination.
Replying to questions during the ongoing Autumn Session of the Legislative Assembly, Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said the government was focusing on developing new and emerging destinations, diversifying tourism products and widening the distribution of tourism-related economic activity across Jammu.
He said the Tourism Department was focusing on pilgrimage, heritage, adventure, eco, nature, rural, cultural, wellness and leisure tourism, alongside strengthening infrastructure and improving tourist amenities at existing and emerging destinations.
Developmental interventions have been taken up or initiated at Suchetgarh, Shiv Khori, Sudhmahadev, Patnitop, Basholi, Bhaderwah/Gatha, Mansar, Baradari, Kesari Hills and Behra/Qasab.
The interventions include creation and upgradation of tourism infrastructure and public amenities, destination facilities, beautification, connectivity-related works and development of tourism assets according to the requirements of individual destinations.
Abdullah said the government was also laying emphasis on new and emerging destinations to decongest established tourist centres and ensure wider distribution of tourism-related economic activity across Jammu.
On promotion, he said sustained publicity, advertising and promotional campaigns were being undertaken at local, national and international levels. During April 2025 to March 2026, 110 events and festivals were facilitated or participated in, while 43 events and festivals were covered between April and August 2026.
District-wise and category-wise publicity literature has also been prepared and disseminated through travel marts, expos, festivals, melas and yatras. Digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram and X have also been utilised for promotion, alongside campaigns undertaken with tourism stakeholders.
The Chief Minister said dedicated pilgrimage circuits were also being developed in Jammu Division. Under the Capex Plan 2020-21, five pilgrimage circuits were sanctioned and are currently under progress—Mansar Circuit Phase-I with a project cost of Rs 9.81 crore, Shiv Khori Circuit at Rs 3.14 crore, Utterbehni Circuit at Rs 8.50 crore, Purmandal Circuit at Rs 9.82 crore and Sukrala Circuit at Rs 3.92 crore.
At present, 29 works are actively ongoing under these circuits, with an approved cost of Rs 5.14 crore, he said, adding that their completion was expected to strengthen local economies and create employment opportunities for local youth.
The government was also encouraging local participation through opportunities in homestays, tourist guiding and other tourism-related services.
Abdullah said the approved budget for tourism-related development activities in Jammu Division had increased from Rs 56.50 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 61.15 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 62.85 crore in 2025-26.
For Jammu East constituency, the allocation stood at Rs 2.12 crore in 2023-24, Rs 2.28 crore in 2024-25 and Rs 1.41 crore in 2025-26.
At the same time, Abdullah stressed that the government could not replicate the Gulmarg model at every tourist destination, saying each place had its own unique attractions and requirements.
“Every tourist destination can’t have a Gondola. Every destination cannot be Gulmarg. We have to see something unique, as these destinations are unique in their nature,” he said.
Replying to another question, the Chief Minister said the proposed Gondola project at Doodhpathri was under consideration and would be taken up subject to approval of the competent authority, completion of requisite formalities and availability of funds.
He said winter adventure tourism at Doodhpathri had received a boost, with skiing introduced by the Tourism Department in 2023 and conducted regularly in subsequent winter seasons. A drag lift has also been constructed and made operational from 2026.
The government is also pursuing infrastructure development around Doodhpathri to improve visitor management and reduce pressure on the destination.
The Tourism Department has identified state land at five locations along the Arigam-Reyar Ich stretch for wayside facilities, including amenities for visitors and local vendors. Administrative approval has been accorded at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh, with the works presently at the tendering stage.
Around 25 kanals of state land near the Sheep Farm at Kralpathri has also been identified for a Tourist Transit Hub along with a 400-car parking facility at Doodhpathri. A Detailed Project Report for the proposed facility, estimated at Rs 75 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, has been prepared and submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism for consideration.
In another response, Abdullah said the government could consider extending the power amnesty scheme for people living below the poverty line and other underprivileged consumers, but cautioned against repeated waivers of electricity dues.
Replying to a question during Question Hour, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Power portfolio, said the matter regarding reintroduction or extension of the amnesty scheme was being examined by the department on merits.
He said repeated amnesty schemes could adversely affect the culture of timely bill payment and would be an “injustice” to consumers who pay their bills on time.
However, he added that relief could be considered for poorer sections of society on a case-to-case basis, with such cases examined on merit.
Meanwhile, CM chaired a meeting of his council of ministers here and reviewed key development initiatives and governance priorities.
In a post on X, the chief minister’s office said Abdullah chaired the 12th meeting of the council of ministers.
The meeting reviewed key development initiatives and governance priorities aimed at advancing inclusive and balanced development across Jammu and Kashmir, the CM’s office said.
Hails MLA Sethi after BJP walkout
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday praised BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi for raising a public issue in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly even as other members of his party walked out of the House.
Responding to a question raised by Sethi during the ongoing Autumn Session, Omar said he appreciated the BJP legislator for choosing to raise issues concerning the public in the Assembly.
“I salute the MLA for standing apart from his party and raising people’s issues,” Omar said.
The Chief Minister said Sethi had used the Assembly platform to raise matters concerning the people despite the walkout by other BJP members.
“This shows the difference between a real and a fake MLA,” Omar said before responding to Sethi’s question.
The exchange came during the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, as the House took up questions from members on issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
