The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Opposes the Indus Water Treaty Suspension
During a recent press conference in Amritsar, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir reiterated his long-standing opposition to the Indus Water Treaty, expressing his satisfaction over its suspension. He believes that this move will allow the region to harness its water resources more effectively for the benefit of its people.
Expressing his disapproval of the treaty, the Chief Minister stated, “I have been against it from the very first day. The Indus Water Treaty has greatly harmed us. It is good that the treaty has been suspended.”
He emphasized the need for immediate steps to be taken to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir can make optimal use of its water resources. The Chief Minister proposed two projects to the central government, including the Jhelum navigation barrage, also known as the Tulbul Navigation Barrage, which he believes will bring numerous benefits to the region.
One of the key advantages of the proposed project, according to the Chief Minister, is the increase in water levels in Wular and Jhelum, leading to enhanced electricity production and navigation opportunities along the river.
He revealed ongoing discussions with the central government regarding the implementation of these projects to leverage the region’s water resources effectively.
Challenges Faced by the Tourism Sector
The Chief Minister also addressed the challenges encountered by the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir over the past year, describing it as a tough period for the industry.
He highlighted the setbacks caused by incidents such as the Delhi bomb blast, which disrupted the recovery of the tourism sector just when it was showing signs of improvement.
However, he expressed optimism about the current situation, attributing the recent increase in tourism in Kashmir to the onset of snowfall in the region.
While affirming the government’s commitment to promoting tourism, the Chief Minister mentioned that they would not be releasing tourism data at this time, keeping the success metrics internal.
Reviving Tourism from Other States
Abdullah emphasized the importance of tourism from states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, which are key markets for tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir.
He acknowledged the administration’s efforts to revive tourism in these states, although the desired outcomes have not been fully achieved yet.
Despite the challenges, the Chief Minister remains hopeful about the gradual revival of tourism, especially with the recent snowfall attracting more visitors to the region.
He concluded by stating, “We are trying our best to revive tourism in these states. I cannot say that we have succeeded, but it feels like tourism has gradually revived since snowfall has started.”
Overall, the Chief Minister’s press conference shed light on the region’s water management challenges and the ongoing efforts to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the importance of utilizing resources effectively for the benefit of its people.
