Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar, today said that Government has a Comprehensive Plan for the development of tourist destinations under Tourism Development Authorities across the State.Replying to a question of Omar Abdullah, the Minister said as per Army reports 65sq kms of Tosa Maidan has been cleared of mines and declared safe. He said under PM’s Package, the Government has formulated Rs 73 crore project for development of Yousmarg-Doodpathri-Tosa Maidan tourist circuit.The Minister said Tosa Maidan would be developed as Eco-Tourism spot and nobody would be allowed to touch its virginity, adding that no concrete infrastructure would be allowed to be build at this picturesque spot.
“Only local stakeholders like Nomads, Gujjars, Tribals would be allowed to upgrade their already existing Kothas with local aesthetic look,” he added.He said to develop tourist related infrastructure facilities in the peripheries of Tosa Maidan, the Government would also appoint experts of for the purpose. He said to provide quality road connectivity to all tourists destinations, the Government is working on a special programme, adding that the road from Khag to Tosa Maidan would be also constructed on priority.The Minister further said that the Department of Tourism in collaboration with J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club carried out familiarization trekking programme to Tosa Maidan on December 20, 2015 in which about 30 trekkers camped overnight.The Minister said that the three-day adventure festival at Tosa Maidan in collaboration with Adventure Tour Operators of Kashmir is being organized from June 29, 2016 with participation of local tour operators, travel agents and adventure fraternity along with students.