Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Advocates for Reopening Tourist Places in Kashmir
During a recent session in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his intention to discuss the reopening of tourist places in Kashmir with Union Minister Amit Shah. This initiative comes in the wake of the closure of several tourist spots following the Pahalgam attack.
Abdullah emphasized the importance of resuming tourism activities in the region, stating, “It is a fact that some areas were closed. The time has come to open them.” He assured the House that ongoing discussions with the Government of India are focused on addressing this issue.
One of the key concerns raised by Abdullah was the cumbersome registration process in the tourism sector. He acknowledged that the existing rules and procedures have not been reviewed since 1978 and highlighted the need for revision. “We agree that the registration process is cumbersome. We have not reviewed the rules and procedures since 1978. We are working on it,” he stated.
In an effort to streamline the registration process, Abdullah proposed linking it with the Public Service Guarantee Act. However, he also acknowledged that this measure alone may not be sufficient to combat corruption. As a solution, the government is considering simplifying the registration process through mechanisms such as self-declaration or deemed approval.
Abdullah assured that the issue of tourist space closures and registration reforms will be raised during Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating a more efficient and transparent system for tourism operators.
Overall, Abdullah’s proactive stance on reopening tourist places and improving registration processes in the tourism sector reflects a concerted effort to enhance the tourism industry in Kashmir and attract more visitors to the region. By addressing these issues, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for tourism development while ensuring accountability and efficiency in the registration process.
As discussions with the Government of India progress, Abdullah remains focused on implementing necessary reforms to support the growth of the tourism sector in Kashmir. The proposed changes aim to not only streamline processes but also promote transparency and accountability within the industry, ultimately benefitting both tourists and local businesses.
