Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2009
8047 Yatris perform darshan on Friday

Srinagar, July 18 - According to a Spokesperson of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji is going on smoothly and 8,047 Yatris performed darshan on Friday.

The Spokesperson stated that 2,653 pilgrims left from the Baltal Base Camp and 2,000 from the Nunwan Base Camp this morning on their journey to the Holy Cave Shrine. He added that another batch of 1,285 Yatris left from Jammu to the Pahalgam and Baltal Base Camps today.

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Promotion of Heli Skiing in Gulmarg

Srinagar, July 18 - With a view to boost adventure tourism and attract more overseas tourists, the government is seeking international expertise in taking up heli skiing in the State in a big way.

Minister for Tourism, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, along with Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, today held discussions with a renowned French heli skiing expert Mr. Sylvain Saudan. The meeting lasted almost an hour during which various issues pertaining to promotion of adventure sports were discussed.

Born in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1936, Mr Saudan is a skier par excellence who has been cited by the Guinness Book of World Records three times for his ski descents on the most difficult routes where falling means death.

Mr. Saudan was assured by the Ministers that all assistance will be provided to promote heli skiing in the State. His expertise would also be sought in promoting winter sports in various health resorts, especially at Gulmarg.

Natural landscape make Gulmarg an ideal place for heli sking and the government is seriously considering to exploit its potential in adventure sports, as it will pave way for recognition of the famous health spot as an international ski resort.

Mr. Saudan, besides arranging helicopter service, would also motivate and bring foreign skiers in large number to Valley.

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Minister inspects Development of
International Golf Course at Pahalgam

Srinagar, July 18 - Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora today visited Pahalgam and inspected International Golf Course of 10 holes spread over 1133 kanals of land being developed at a total project cost of Rs. 27.28 cores.

The Minister was told that the expenditure of Rs. 28 crore have so far been spent and the Golf Course is expected to be fully developed and completed by the end of current year.

The Minister was accompanied by Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Pahalgam, Mr. Rafi Ahmad Mir, MLC Mr. Altaf kaloo, Seceretary Tourism, Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, Mr. Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad, SSP, Anantnag, Mr. Showkat Ahmad Malik and Chief Executive Officer, Pahalgam Development Authority, Mr. Abdul Waheed Tak.

The Minister, later met Loripora people and hold a joint meeting of District Administration and 11 local solar members of Laripora village. The Minister heard the demands, problems and grievances of Laripora and assured them that their grievances would be redressed. He said that mandays and other benefits of Golf Course will be made available to them. The Minister told that the development of this world famous Golf Course will be beneficial to local people as well. The people were satisfied and assured the Minister that they will render full cooperation to the administration.

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