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Altaf for conservation of Sonamarg

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 6/3/2013 11:55:59 PM

SRINAGAR, June 3: With a view to ensure proper management of traffic regulation, the newly developed truck terminal at Sonamarg tourist destination would be made operational and the existing truck terminal be utilized for parking of other tourist vehicles.
The decision in this regard was taken today at a high level Officers meeting held under the chairmanship of Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Mir here on Monday.
Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Who is also the local representative of the area, was present in the meeting.
The meeting also gave nod to formulation of a Committee headed by District Development Commissioner Ganderbal and Director Tourism, Kashmir, and Superintendent of Police and Chief Executive Officer Sonamarg Development Authority as its members. The Committee would look into issues pertaining to the raising of illegal structures at the destination.
The meeting discussed several issues related to conservation of rich environs of Sonamarg and its serene vicinity spots. Strict directions were issued to concerned Officers for taking immediate steps to safe guard the destination from any illegal intervention.
The Forest Minister underscored the need for taking concrete steps by the concerned authorities for conservation of the Sonamarg Bowl, adding that all illegal structures if any raised at the spot should be demolished and tourist infrastructure raised as per the master plan. He also underscored the need for fixation of rates of tourist carriers and their display at proper place for tourist convenience.
The Forest Minister also suggested for further exploitation of adventure activities at the destination including construction of Rope Way for adventure lovers.
The Tourism Minister directed the concerned enforcement agency for strict enforcement of tourism rules and regulation for facilitation of the tourists. He stressed that it should be ensured that no tourist should cheated by any person related to tourism trade, which he said harms the business and gives bad name to the State. He instructed that such offenders should be dealt with sternly under the Tourist Act of the State.
The Tourism Minister directed the concerned Officers for demarcation of the whole area transferred to the Authority by the government. “Nobody should be allowed to encroach on the Authority land for their personal interests and it should be also ensured that virginity of the spot is not harmed while raising tourist related infrastructure” he asserted.
The Minister exhorted upon the Officers for keeping close coordination for the tourism boom at the destination. He said issues confronting protection and conservation of ecology of any potential spot should be solved with close coordination and it should be ensured that no tourist faces any problem at the destination.