Srinagar, Mar 13 (KNO): The Central government has allocated Rs 560.04 crore to Jammu and Kashmir under various tourism sector schemes over the past five years, according to a response in the Lok Sabha by Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on March 10, 2025.
The funds, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), were allocated under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, both aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure across the region.
In his reply to a question raised by Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad regarding the funds allocated for tourism development in Jammu and Kashmir, the Tourism Minister outlined that these funds were part of efforts to develop tourism-related infrastructure and facilities at various destinations across the state. He said these schemes are intended to boost tourism by improving facilities for both domestic and international tourists.
Shekhawat detailed several key projects funded under these schemes. Among them, Rs 77.33 crore was allocated under the Himalayan Circuit scheme for the development of tourism infrastructure across a range of destinations, including Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Bhagwati Nagar, Anantnag, Salamabad Uri, Kargil and Leh. He said Rs 81.60 crore was sanctioned for the development of tourist facilities in regions such as Jammu, Rajouri, Shopian and Pulwama.
Other significant allocations include Rs 90.43 crore for rebuilding assets destroyed during the 2014 floods as part of the PM Development Package, and Rs 91.99 crore for the development of facilities at Mantalai and Sudhmahadev. "Rs 86.39 crore was set aside for the development of tourist infrastructure across various locations, including Anantnag, Pulwama, Kishtwar, Pahalgam, Zanskar, Padum, Daksum and Ranjit Sagar Dam," the minister said.
Shekhawat said Rs 91.84 crore was allocated for tourism infrastructure in Gulmarg, Baramulla, Kargil and Leh. Under the PRASHAD Scheme, Rs 40.46 crore was specifically earmarked for the development of the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, he added—(KNO)