Srinagar, Feb 16 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday said there is no proposal to establish a separate Tourism Development Authority for Kupwara district, which is already covered under the jurisdiction of the Lolab-Bangus Development Authority (LBDA).
Replying to a question raised by Mir Saifullah in the Legislative Assembly, the government acknowledged that Kupwara has significant tourism potential, citing destinations such as Lolab Valley, Bangus Valley, Keran, Jamgand, Wagbal, and Dedikote, which attract a considerable number of domestic and local visitors due to their scenic beauty.
However, the government clarified that these areas do not fall under a separate Tourism Development Authority. The LBDA, headquartered in Kupwara and headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), already functions as the designated authority for tourism development and management in the district.
Regarding the need for a new authority, the government stated that the existing LBDA is sufficient to oversee sustainable tourism initiatives and there is no current plan to establish another body. The government also denied that the Chief Minister had made any prior commitment to set up a separate tourism authority in the region.
Officials said the LBDA continues to focus on promoting tourism while ensuring sustainable development and preservation of the district’s natural and cultural heritage.(KNS).
