Gurez, Sept 15 (JKNS): Senior National Conference leader, former Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA from Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, has appreciated the Indian Army’s continued role in promoting tourism, developing tourist infrastructure and strengthening basic facilities in Gurez and other border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gurezi said that the Indian Army has been making significant efforts to promote border tourism and bring the picturesque Gurez Valley onto the wider tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that such initiatives are particularly important in remote and border areas, where tourism can serve as a major source of livelihood and economic activity for local communities.
Appreciating the Army’s efforts towards tourism development, Gurezi highlighted the establishment and development of cafés, the Shina Cultural Centre and other tourist facilities at different locations across Gurez.
He said these facilities are not only making the valley more attractive and accessible to tourists but are also providing visitors with improved amenities and a better overall experience.
The NC leader said that the development of tourism-related infrastructure has the potential to generate new livelihood opportunities for local residents, particularly the youth. With increasing tourist footfall, he said, local businesses, transport operators, guides, homestays, handicraft sellers and other service providers can benefit significantly.
Gurezi further appreciated the Indian Army’s contribution beyond tourism, saying that its efforts in areas such as education, healthcare, construction of bridges and improvement of other basic facilities have also benefited people living in remote areas.
He said that such developmental initiatives are helping address some of the challenges faced by border communities while simultaneously improving the overall environment for visitors. According to him, the strengthening of basic infrastructure is essential for the sustainable development of tourism in Gurez.
“Border tourism can become an important pillar of the local economy,” Gurezi said, stressing that sustained efforts to promote destinations like Gurez could increase business activity and create meaningful employment opportunities for local youth.
He also expressed his special gratitude to JOC Indian Army Rakesh Nair for his efforts towards promoting tourism, developing tourist destinations and improving public facilities in Gurez.
Gurezi said that the continued focus on developing new tourist attractions and improving existing facilities would help Gurez gain greater recognition among tourists from across the country and beyond. He maintained that the valley, with its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and strategic location, has immense potential to emerge as one of Jammu and Kashmir’s major tourism destinations.
He emphasised that the development of border tourism should go hand in hand with the welfare of local communities. Greater tourist activity, he said, should translate into increased opportunities for local entrepreneurs and young people while preserving the unique cultural identity and natural environment of Gurez.
Gurezi further said that coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, civil administration and local population could give a major boost to tourism and development in the valley. He expressed hope that continued cooperation among all stakeholders would lead to further improvement in infrastructure, connectivity, public facilities and tourism-related services.
The former Assembly Speaker described the contribution of the Indian Army towards the development of Gurez and promotion of border tourism as commendable, saying that such initiatives can play an important role in strengthening the economy of border areas and bringing remote communities closer to the mainstream of development. (JKNS)
