Commissioner/Secretary of Tourism & Culture conducted a comprehensive assessment of potential tourism development and expansion initiatives in and around Kargil town on December 19. 

Accompanied by both Army and Civil Administration Officers, the tour encompassed significant locations to evaluate the feasibility and need for tourism infrastructure enhancement.
 
At the junction of Kargil Road/Bus stand, identified as a project under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Commissioner/Secretary engaged in detailed discussions with the Army's Station Headquarters officers. They explored the relocation of a boundary wall to create a safer passage at the intersection, emphasizing beautification. Directives were issued to the CEO of Tourism Development Authority, Kargil, to collaborate with the Revenue Department in drafting a proposal/drawing for submission to the Army for necessary approvals.

Further, the Commissioner/Secretary visited the premises of the Employment & Counseling Center, Kargil. In discussions with Army, Revenue, and Employment Department officials, efforts were made to devise a feasible solution for motorable access to the office, adhering to due procedures.

Visiting the Army War Museum at Helipad-Kargil, accompanied by the Commander, 121 Infantry Brigade, the Commissioner/Secretary acknowledged the museum's efforts in preserving historical accounts of wars, soldier sacrifices, and local culture. Plans were discussed to enhance its visibility as a historical site and tourist attraction, intending to collaborate for its augmentation and improvement.

The tour also included a visit to the Linkipal Ski Slope site, where directions were given to Revenue and Tourism department officials to expedite land demarcation for skiing area development, chair car installation, and other necessary amenities. The Commissioner/Secretary announced plans for the Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering, Gulmarg, to establish a branch in Kargil, proposing courses in February for local and external skiers. Coordination between Army officials, Revenue, and Tourism departments was urged to clear the area of unexploded objects promptly.

At Point 13620/Indian Army Post at Changi-la, potential locations for tourist-related amenities were evaluated, emphasizing the establishment of facilities like cafeterias, toilets, viewpoints, parking, and platforms for Paragliding. Immediate initiation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation using prefabricated/pre-engineered materials was advised. The Commissioner/Secretary acknowledged the post's significance in Indian Defence history, paying respects to martyrs of various wars.

Later, a visit to the Tourist Facilitation Center (TFC) at Biamathang involved assessing ongoing renovation, refurbishment, and upgradation works. Inspection of tourism infrastructure in the vicinity, including footpath/riverfront development and the light and sound show site, took place. The Commissioner/Secretary instructed officials to expedite the remaining works for the TFC and surrounding facilities, aiming for an inauguration in April 2024.

The tour included key personnel such as CEO, Kargil Development Authority, Abdul Gaffar Zargar; OSD/Under Secretary to Commissioner/Secretary, Muhammad Ali Tak; Executive Engineer, KDA, Tsering Morup; Assistant Tourist Officer, Ghulam Rasool Lal, along with other concerned officers from KDA.