Jammu, Feb 5 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday asserted that tourism remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and said the government is working to overhaul decades-old procedures while pushing for the reopening of tourist destinations that were earlier shut in the Valley.
Replying to queries raised by several legislators on tourism promotion, as per news agency JKNS, Chief Minister Omar said that no part of Jammu and Kashmir is untouched by tourism. “In some areas the impact is high, in others it is comparatively low, but tourism is interlinked with every district of J&K,” he said.
Taking note of the cumbersome registration process in the tourism sector, CM Omar admitted that the existing system is outdated and overly rigid. “The department itself agrees that the procedures are harsh and need simplification. It is unfortunate that since 1978 these rules were never reviewed,” he said.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged his own role, stating that during his earlier tenure in government, necessary reforms were not initiated. “I too share responsibility. I was in government for six years, and this was not addressed. Many others were also part of governments at different times. But it is never too late—we have now started working on it,” he said.
Emphasising that cosmetic changes would not suffice, CM Omar said meaningful reforms are needed. “Simply bringing the process under the Public Services Act and claiming success is not enough. What is required is genuine simplification,” he added.
On the issue of reopening tourist destinations, CM Omar said several locations in the Kashmir Valley were closed in the past and the situation now warrants their reopening. “Some areas were shut, that is a fact. The time has come to open them,” he said.
He informed the House that the matter is being discussed with the Government of India and assured legislators that it would be taken up at the highest level. “I will raise the issue of reopening closed tourist destinations with the Union Home Minister during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir,” CM Omar said. (JKNS)
