Udhampur admin plans to develop village Tourism in Panchari block

UDHAMPUR: District administration Udhampur has planned to develop the village tourism in Block Panchari under its tourist village development programme.

To discuss the modalities, a meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Indu Kanwal Chib here at Conference Hall of DC Office Complex.

Detailed discussions were held on various aspects which include provision of requisite facilities for tourists like provision of home stay, Police verification, fixation of rates for tourists, engaging tourist guides, establishment of camping sites, identification of Pony riding in the area, identification of Palki Walas and porters, identification of water points and trekking routes, sources of drinking water facility, Preparation of food chart, entertainment etc.

At the outset, Additional District Development Commissioner, Kanta Devi welcomed all the participants and said that the main objective of developing the tourist village is to attract the tourist footfall to Panchari and make it one of the best tourist destinations. She added that this area has huge tourism potential.

The DC directed the stakeholder departments to work out a holistic plan in consultation with the PRIs for its smooth implementation. The DC said that participation of Panchayat representatives and Youth club members of the areas will be helpful in developing attractive tourist villages with universal appeal. She asked RSETI to organise a training program for youth club members to groom them as tourist guides. The departments were asked to motivate the youth clubs to grab this opportunity and become partners in promotion of the lucrative tourism sector in that area. In this regard, the District Youth Services and Sports Officer, was asked to conduct separate meetings with Youth club members. The BDC Chairman was asked to conduct a meeting with owners who want to offer home stay for tourists.

The BDC Chairman, Jeevan Sharma apprised the DC that a total of 29 Kachha Houses have been identified for renting on home stay so far.

The DC asked the Panchayat representatives and youth club members to prepare the list of places of the tourist attractions in the area.

It was decided that rates for home stay and other boarding services will be fixed by the designated Committee. The DC asked the health department to impart training to youth club members regarding first aid. PWD was directed to ensure maintenance of roads besides the Wildlife and Forest department were directed to provide all logistics support for this purpose.

DIO NIC, Anil Sharma and other officers besides Sarpanches, Panches and youth club members were present in the meeting.