New tourism areas under review in J&K: CM Omar

JAMMU, MARCH 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said that the Government is examining a proposal for the notification of new tourism-worthy areas in Jammu & Kashmir, including several locations in District Doda.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Doda West, Shakti Raj Parihar, during the Question Hour of the ongoing Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the identified locations in Doda district include Udhrana (Bhaderwah), Sarna (Bhaderwah), Nalthi, Chinta, Guldanda, Padri, Khaleni Top, Lal Draman, Doda (Municipal Limits) and Shibnote (Premnagar).

The Chief Minister, who is also the Minister in-charge Tourism, informed the House that the Tourism Department is committed to strengthening infrastructure and improving visitor facilities at major tourist destinations across Jammu and Kaahmir. He said that prominent destinations in Doda district—such as Lal Draman, Dedni, Dal Draman, Ramrachna, Galadhar and Dessa—are being actively developed and promoted.
He further stated that District Doda is already recognized as an important tourist destination, and the Department is undertaking sustained efforts to boost tourism in the region.
“As part of the promotional strategy for the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26, several events have been organized and publicized, including the Lavender Festival, Winter Festival, Mega Wrestling Competition, promotion of Maa Chandi Yatra, One-Day Mela at Bhal Padri (Bhalessa) and the Lal Draman Snow Festival, among others, to enhance tourism awareness and attract visitors,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that the Department has participated in 11 tourism marts during the financial year 2025–26 to promote key destinations of the Jammu Division, including Doda. “Similar promotional activities are planned in the coming months to further place Doda on the national tourism map,” he said.
Highlighting infrastructure initiatives, the Chief Minister said that key projects have been undertaken in the district, including the construction of a double-storey guest house at Lal Draman at a sanctioned cost of ₹75.63 lakh. He added that beautification works, viewpoints, public conveniences and allied facilities have also been completed in the area at a cost of ₹80 lakh under the CAPEX Budget, aimed at improving tourist amenities and generating employment opportunities.
In a separate reply to another legislator regarding outsourcing of the Yoga and Spiritual Centre at Mantalai, the Chief Minister said that the Government is actively pursuing the matter and efforts are underway to outsource the facility at the earliest.