Government fixes fare charges for Shri Amarnathji Yatris’ transportation Srinagar, June 02 - In view of the ensuing Shri Amar Nath ji yatra, the Transport Commissioner has fixed fares of mini-buses, taxis and maxi-cabs for transportation of yatris. According to the order, the fare for mini-buses from Nunwan to Chandanwari will be Rs.60 per passenger while the charges of taxi (petrol) for the same route and from Sonamarg to Baltal will be Rs.147 per passenger. The fare of Tata Sumo has been fixed at Rs.72 per passenger from Nunwan to Chandanwari and from Sonamarg to Baltal ... more

Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board reviews arrangements at Holy Cave; conducts aerial survey of tracks Srinagar, June 2 – The Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Sh. B. B. Vyas, today visited Holy Shrine of Shri Amarnathji and took stock of the ongoing efforts relating to the clearance of tracks and positioning of various infrastructural/logistical facilities for the Yatris at the Holy Cave. The aerial survey conducted by the CEO and other officers of the Board indicates that the areas adjoining the Holy Cave, Panchtarni and Sheshnag are still under 6 to 8 feet snow. While work is going on war footing to clear the tracks, the CEO of the Board issued instructions to further step up the pace of work to ensure that all required facilities are put in place in a time-bound manner ... more

Rs. 8 crore project for conservation of Leh monasteries on anvil: Minister for Tourism and Culture Srinagar, June 02- The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that government would take all necessary steps for conservation and preservation of the monasteries of Leh district. He said a project report of Rs. 8 crore has been submitted to the Union Government under Tourism Circuit Development Schemes for its approval. The project envisaged to develop Alchi, Rezong, Temisgam, Lamayuru Tsoltak Palace, Chemray Gompa and other monasteries of the district ... more

8th All India Police Water Sports Championship takes off Jammu & Kashmir has great potential in Adventure Sports: Chief Secretary     A view of 8th All India Police Water Sports Championship at Dal Lake Srinagar. Srinagar, June 02- Chief Secretary Mr. S.S. Kapur has said that government is committed to promote sports activities in the state, adding that the necessary infrastructure would be provided for the purpose. Declaring the 8th All India Police Water Sports Championship open at Dal Lake Srinagar today with release of pigeons and multi colour balloons, Mr. Kapur said that the State has great potential for promoting adventure tourism due to vast potential of water bodies like, waterfalls, lakes and rivers ... more

Government fixes fare charges for Shri Amarnathji
Yatris’ transportation

Srinagar, June 02 - In view of the ensuing Shri Amar Nath ji yatra, the Transport Commissioner has fixed fares of mini-buses, taxis and maxi-cabs for transportation of yatris.

According to the order, the fare for mini-buses from Nunwan to Chandanwari will be Rs.60 per passenger while the charges of taxi (petrol) for the same route and from Sonamarg to Baltal will be Rs.147 per passenger. The fare of Tata Sumo has been fixed at Rs.72 per passenger from Nunwan to Chandanwari and from Sonamarg to Baltal.

The order makes it clear that the fares in respect of other routes shall be chargeable in accordance with notification issued on 21-07-2008.
The concerned enforcement agencies of Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) and Traffic Department have been asked to ensure strict enforcement of the fare fixed during the yatra period.

Click here to read more information on Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board reviews arrangements at Holy Cave; conducts aerial survey of tracks

Srinagar, June 2 – The Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Sh. B. B. Vyas, today visited Holy Shrine of Shri Amarnathji and took stock of the ongoing efforts relating to the clearance of tracks and positioning of various infrastructural/logistical facilities for the Yatris at the Holy Cave.

The aerial survey conducted by the CEO and other officers of the Board indicates that the areas adjoining the Holy Cave, Panchtarni and Sheshnag are still under 6 to 8 feet snow. While work is going on war footing to clear the tracks, the CEO of the Board issued instructions to further step up the pace of work to ensure that all required facilities are put in place in a time-bound manner.

The Board officials could not land either at Panchtarni or Sheshnag due to the heavy accumulation of snow near the Camp sites. Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer gave instructions to the engineers and senior officers of the Board for expediting all infrastructure-related works to ensure that the required facilities are in place well before the commencement of the Yatra. He also got first hand information about various works being executed at various places, including the Camps and enroute the Shrine.

The CEO asked the Camp Commandants and other officers to prepare detailed lay-out plans for siting various facilities at the Holy Cave and at all the other Camping Sites so that various facilities can be positioned in a systematic manner. The Board team also had an aerial view of the proposed alternate helipad site, adequately away from the Sanctum Sanctorum. This is being done in furtherance of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board’s decision to locate the helipads well away from the Holy Cave.

The Spokesperson of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board also informed that the personnel of Army, CRPF, BSF and J&K Police have reached the Holy Cave.
The Spokesperson of the Board also reiterated the Board’s advice to the intending Yatris that, keeping in view the snow and weather conditions, they must get themselves registered with the J&K Bank, as no pilgrim will be allowed to proceed on the arduous track who does not possess a Yatra Registration slip. This is being enforced to ensure that the movement of Yatris is regulated in a proper manner, to minimize inconvenience and hardship.

Click here to read more information on Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Rs. 8 crore project for conservation of Leh monasteries on anvil: Minister for Tourism and Culture

Srinagar, June 02- The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that government would take all necessary steps for conservation and preservation of the monasteries of Leh district. He said a project report of Rs. 8 crore has been submitted to the Union Government under Tourism Circuit Development Schemes for its approval. The project envisaged to develop Alchi, Rezong, Temisgam, Lamayuru Tsoltak Palace, Chemray Gompa and other monasteries of the district.

Mr. Jora was reviewing the physical and financial achievements registered in tourism sector by the Leh Development Authority (LDA) at a high level meeting, here today. Secretary Tourism Mrs. Tanveer Jahan, Director Tourism Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmmad Shah, Additional Secretary Tourism, Director Finance Tourism, Joint Director Tourism, Chief Executive Officer, Leh Development Authority, besides other senior officers attended the meeting . The Minister was informed that a project report of Rs. 15.60 crore has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism for the development of various tourist destinations in Leh district. Besides, about Rs. 4.58 crore have been sanctioned for development of 12 tourism related projects, out of which Rs. 3.67 crore stands released and Rs. 2.24 crore expanded upto May this year.

Mr. Jora was apprised that various tourist facilities like installation of solar lights, landscaping, parking lots and view decks were created at various tourist destinations of the district. The Minister directed the concerned officers for creating more view points, public conveniences, besides ensure maintenance of cleanliness and preservation of pollution free environment at tourist destination..
Mr. Jora also asked for starting the construction work of Food Craft Institute at Leh. He said the phase 1st of this institution would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.83 crore. He said main objective for setting up of this institution is to train local youth in tourism and trade related activities to create skilled manpower for the hospitality and hotel industry of the area.

8th All India Police Water Sports Championship takes off
Jammu & Kashmir has great potential in Adventure Sports: Chief Secretary

Srinagar, June 02- Chief Secretary Mr. S.S. Kapur has said that government is committed to promote sports activities in the state, adding that the necessary infrastructure would be provided for the purpose.

Declaring the 8th All India Police Water Sports Championship open at Dal Lake Srinagar today with release of pigeons and multi colour balloons, Mr. Kapur said that the State has great potential for promoting adventure tourism due to vast potential of water bodies like, waterfalls, lakes and rivers.

Among others present on the occasion were Financial Commissioner Home, Mr Sameul Verghese, Transport Commissioner, Mr. M.K. Mohanty, Director General CID, Mr. Ashok Bhan, Director SKIMS, Mr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, Director Tourism, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah and other senior officers.

Hailing the efforts of police department for organizing such event, the Chief Secretary said that more events needed to be organized for promoting sports activities in the state as these promote harmony, unity and mutual brotherhood.
Eighteen teams representing different states of the country are participating in the championship in which contest for three disciplines i.e. Kayaking, Canoeing and Rowing will be organized. About 350 players will participate in these events which will last for seven days.

The Chief Secretary asked the players to be ambassadors of peace and promote Kashmiri culture and tourism across India as Kashmir Valley is a renowned tourist spot and safe destination. Earlier, the teams led by J&K Police presented a paddle past in well decorated shikaras before the audience. International Kayaker, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Lattoo read out the oath on the occasion and the championship flag was unfurled.

A souvenir on 8th All India Police Water Sports Championship 2009 was also released by the chief guest on the occasion. The Director General, CID, Mr. Ashok Bhan briefed about the achievements of police personnel in various sports activities.