Srinagar, July 27 :Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to emerge as India’s model for sustainable tourism, stressing that the sector’s real success lies not in record footfall but in ensuring its economic dividends percolate to every household while preserving the Union Territory’s fragile ecology, rich cultural heritage and natural assets.
Addressing the ‘Ethical Tourism Conclave’ organised by the Tourist Trade Interest Guild here, the LG called for a paradigm shift towards a tourism model rooted in responsibility, sustainability and inclusivity, asserting that tourism must serve as a catalyst for balanced economic growth, environmental conservation and social empowerment.
“The real achievement is not just in numbers but in ensuring that the fruits of tourism reach local communities and strengthen social inclusion,” Sinha said, underscoring that Dal Lake boatmen, ponywallahs, Pashmina and Papier-mâché artisans, and homestay owners in remote destinations like Gurez and Bangus must become equal partners in the tourism economy.Observing that J&K has long been hailed as ‘Paradise on Earth’ for its unique blend of scenic beauty and cultural traditions, the LG said ethical tourism must become the guiding principle for future development. He emphasised that while the UT has witnessed unprecedented tourist arrivals, restored visitor confidence and attracted fresh investments, the “ultimate success” will be measured when prosperity reaches the last village, the last family and the last citizen in the queue.
Sinha stressed that infrastructure development must go hand-in-hand with environmental conservation, and called for greater sensitivity towards protecting forests, lakes and rivers. He pitched for making eco-friendly tourism a people’s movement by discouraging single-use plastics, promoting scientific waste management, conserving water and energy, and respecting wildlife habitats.
Proposing a roadmap for action, the Lieutenant Governor suggested introducing eco-friendly certification standards for hotels and homestays, launching large-scale training programmes to groom youth as nature protectors and cultural ambassadors, and leveraging digital platforms to directly connect tourists with local communities.
“Together, let us ensure that prosperity reaches the last village, the last family and the last citizen in the queue,” he said, expressing confidence that if local communities and young people combine innovation with cultural sensitivity while balancing development with conservation, Jammu and Kashmir can indeed emerge as a national model for sustainable tourism.
The conclave was attended by Tourist Trade Interest Guild Chairman Zahoor Ahmed Karnai, University of Kashmir VC Prof. Nilofer Khan, IUST VC Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, DIG Central Kashmir Rajiv Pandey, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, DC Srinagar Akshay Labroo, besides tourism industry representatives and prominent citizens. (KNS)
