Patnitop not declared ‘World Class’ tourist destination, no central funds yet
Srinagar, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the Legislative Assembly that Patnitop has not yet been declared a “World Class Tourist Destination” by the Centre and no central funds have been sanctioned or released for the proposed development.
Replying to a starred question raised by Chenani MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, the Tourism Department said Jammu and Kashmir had proposed Patnitop for consideration under the Centre’s Globally Competitive Tourism Destination Scheme.
The government said a preliminary survey for identifying suitable land parcels and stakeholder consultations had been completed and ground data was being compiled for the proposal.
On the Patnitop Development Authority Master Plan-2000, the government said a comprehensive revision was under way.
A Request for Proposal has been floated to engage a consultant for preparation of the revised Master Plan, following the process undertaken by a government-constituted steering committee.
The government said proposed changes would take account of hilly terrain, geological and structural safety, environmental sensitivity, carrying capacity, infrastructure requirements and tourism potential.
It said the Unified Building Bye-Laws, 2021, were already applicable in the Patnitop Development Authority’s jurisdiction. [KNT]
