Shopian : To highlight and promote the virgin tourist destinations being developed by District Administration Shopian under the aegis of J&K Government, the District Information Centre (DIC) Shopian on Friday conducted a media tour to Zampathri, one of such picturesque destinations in the district.
As Nature has bestowed Kashmir with majestic mountains, beautiful valleys, lakes, rivers, picturesque places etc., the present dispensation has been working to develop and tap the potential of less known or unknown destinations in the district to give tourists the chance to enjoy colours of nature.
Zampathri, 20 kms away from Shopian Town, in Keller Block has many breathtaking things on offer, ranging from mesmerizing beauty of lush green meadows and plains, views of gushing waters of Romshi River, other streams, and captivating rich tribal culture. The area is also suited for Paragliding, Trekking, Camping and other adventurous activities.
Gaddar Meadow, once of the largest in Valley, Ringward, Chotimarg shall be a delight for tourists, who are more interested in trekking and camping.
The media tour to Zampathri is District Administration’s one of such exercises to promote newly developed/ notified tourist destinations in the district under Tourist Villages Network Programme (TVNP) besides other tourism activities so that tourists get to know about these serene places to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Media persons belonging to different national and local organisations took part in the exposure tour and highlighted the significance of the government’s historic decision of notifying the area under TVNP of Mission Youth.
The locals while speaking to the media expressed happiness about the inclusion of the village under TVNP. They appreciated and the District Administration for leaving no stone unturned to bring destinations with tourist potential on tourism map besides creating opportunities for locals to earn for their living in the shape of home-stays, creating campsites, restaurants, handicraft kiosks/ shops, etc.
Mir HussainKasana, a local while thanking the Government said that vast employment opportunities shall get created especially for the unemployed youth due to the inclusion of villages in TVNP.
Similarly, SajadHussainWani, a resident of Keller also thanked the government and said that long pending demand of the locals has been met by this decision of Mission Youth and that economic prosperity for the area is in offing once the village is developed in line with the ecological needs of the area.
He further added that it will ensure balanced and equitable development of tourism in the area.
The J&K administration has notified Zampathri along with five other places in the district as Tourist attractions under the network, including Dubjan, Hirpora along Mughal Road, Sedow near Aharbal Waterfalls, Devpora and KapalMochan.
This move shall benefit the people of these notified villages in many ways once they come forward and take the benefits of financial assistance and subsidy under Mission Youth.
Mission Youth shall provide financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh, of which Rs 1.5 lakh is given as special upfront incentive/ subsidy and Rs 3. 5 lakh as special subsidy towards repayment of loan to banking partners under self employment activities in Tourism and Hospitality in these notified villages.
Similarly, for development of home-stays, financial assistance up to Rs. 01 lakh shall be provided of which 0.15 lakh and 0.25 lakh shall be provided as special upfront incentive/ subsidy to male and women applicants respectively and Rs. 0.35 as special subsidy towards repayment of loan. This decision shall create vast employment opportunities in different sectors like hospitality, transport and businesses for the people of the area.
