DC Rajouri reviews functioning of Tourism Sector ; Emphasises on heritage revival, infrastructure, and promotion strategies

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

RAJOURI, DEC 12: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, chaired a comprehensive meeting at Chingus Tourism Hut to review the functioning of the Tourism Department and deliberate on strategies to enhance tourism in the district.

During the meeting, the DC assessed the potential of various tourism avenues, including religious, pilgrimage, heritage, adventure, and wellness tourism sites in Rajouri. He reviewed the status of key tourism assets such as the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) Rajouri, huts, base camps, parks, cafeterias, and other facilities.

*Highlighting the need for financial transparency, the DC directed the submission of an audit report on the income and expenditure associated with these tourism sites. He also emphasized the installation of signages along the National Highway in coordination with the BRO, displaying details and distances to prominent tourist destinations.*

*To enhance infrastructure and management, the DC instructed the preparation of a detailed plan categorizing assets as self-run, outsourced to private entities, or managed by government institutions. He also mandated the installation of CCTV cameras at all tourism sites to ensure security.*

In a move to revive the district’s heritage, DC Sharma visited Chingus Sarai and directed efforts to restore forts under the Revival of Heritage Schemes.

Additionally, he tasked ADDC Rajouri, Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, to convene a meeting with stakeholders, including the Army, tour and travel operators, restaurant owners, and youth interested in providing camping materials, to develop a collaborative approach.

*Profiling and documenting all tourism sites through photographs and videos were emphasized, along with promoting homestays in Shahdara Sharif, Tata Pani, Doongi, and Mangla Mata.*

*ACP Rajouri, Sheraz Ahmed, was directed to coordinate with various departments to facilitate homestay promotion and ensure the availability of toilet facilities in these areas.*

DC also stressed the beautification of tourism sites and instructed the display of travel packages and route plans to attract visitors and enhance their experiences.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Rajouri, Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, CEO Tourism Development Authority Rajouri, Fareed Ahmed, ACP Sheraz Ahmed, AD Tourism Muzamil Choudhary, and other district and sectoral officers.