CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmed Khan along with Administrative Secretary Tourism and Culture, Ladakh, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan chaired a meeting on Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme for Kargil town here at Council Secretariat.

While briefing the CEC about the scheme, the Secretary Tourism said Swadesh Darshan 2.0 has been proposed to establish tourism destinations in Kargil and Leh and the project has been finalized on the direction of PMO and ₹70 crore has been assigned for the project.

The Secretary said under the plan tourist destinations have to be developed around the vicinity of Kargil town and a Destination Management Committee will also be constituted for its execution.

During the meeting, a discussion was held to identify the sites for projects within the town vicinity. The Secretary informed that the lists of projects that have been proposed include a parking facility, establishment of Hunderman Heritage Village and tourist attraction site at Suru-Drass river confluence (Sangam) has been proposed.

The CEC said since the timeline to complete the project is two years therefore the consultants should draft the DPR at the earliest.

He further added that targeted projects should be less but complete. He added that due to the congestion of the space, the area limit of work can be extended to the peripheries of town.

Khan said to avoid the nuisances for tourists, the parking project should be taken as a priority and other activities can be created alongside it to attract more tourists.

Regarding border tourism, CEC reflected that Hunderman Heritage Village is a promising project and the project should aim to provide basic amenities to the tourists.

The CEC also opined that related to the establishment of tourism infrastructure, deliberations and discussions should be held with the concerned stakeholders

During the meeting representatives of AKTTA, Mohammad Hassanain, and Fayaz Ahmed also shared their suggestions regarding the project.

It was informed that Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil is the Chairman of the Destination Management Committee and future policies will be exhibited in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders.

Earlier, representatives of Voyant Solutions, Project Development Management Consulting agency for the project Swadesh Darshan 2.0 presented a detailed presentation on the proposals related to Sawadesh Darshan 2.0 Kargil Chapter.