Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2009
8032 Yatris perform darshan on Sunday

Srinagar, July 20 - According to a Spokesperson of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji is going on smoothly and 8,032 Yatris performed darshan on Sunday.

The Spokesperson stated that 3,433 pilgrims left from the Baltal Base Camp and 2,818 from the Nunwan Base Camp this morning on their journey to the Holy Cave Shrine. He added that another batch of 911 Yatris left from Jammu to the Pahalgam and Baltal Base Camps today.

Click here to read more information on Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Minister Tourism and Culture seeks cooperation from all stake holders to promote Tourism

Srinagar, July 20 - The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that government has initiated numerous measures for promoting tourism industry in the state. He sought cooperation from all the stake holders associated with tourism trade for bringing the industry at par with the international standards.

This was stated by the Minister during his meeting with the representatives of House Boat Association, Srinagar held here today. Director Tourism Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Chairman House Boats Association, Mr. Azim Tuman and Vice Chairman, Mr. G.M. Puktoo were present in the meeting.

The meeting discussed various issues related to house boat owners of Srinagar and its surrounding areas. The Minister was informed that a dock yard would be constructed for repairs of house boats at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.20 crore at Srinagar adding that Rs. 25 lakh have been already released by the government and kept under the disposal of Lakes and Water Ways Authority Srinagar. It was told that the matter for issuing timber for repairs of house boats on concessional rates on the pattern of Pencil Industry would be taken up with the Chief Minister.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jora directed the concerned authorities to constitute a committee for considering the demand of the association for rebuilding and repairs of old house boats. He assured that rehabilitation and compensation of de-registered house boats owners would be taken up with the concerned authorities on priority. He said that a toilet block at TRC would be constructed and also agreed for setting up of house boat assistance booths at Nehru Park and Ashai Bagh.

The Minister directed Director Tourism Kashmir to ensure the implementation of all his directions well in time for fulfilling the demands of the association.