Centre relaxes norms for foreign tourists visiting Ladakh

SRINAGAR: The Centre has decided to relax the requirement of a Protected Area Permit for foreigners visiting various parts of Ladakh including the Nubra valley, Jammu and Kashmir government said today.

"At the intervention of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Union Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to relax the Protected Area Permit for foreigners visiting various parts of Ladakh and as a consequence foreign tourists will be now able to visit various parts of Nubra Valley," an official spokesperson said.

He said notification has been issued by the MHA in this regard.

Expressing satisfaction over the development, the Chief Minister emphasised the resolve of her government to boost tourism infrastructure in the state and open up new areas in Kashmir as well as Jammu province for tourists.

Mehbooba has directed the Tourism Department to expedite necessary approvals and initiate work on various tourism infrastructure projects for which DPRs have already been submitted for approval of the central government.

In addition to boosting the tourism infrastructure in destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, the Chief Minister has directed adequate attention be paid to upcoming places like Yusmarg, Doodpathri, Khilanmarg, Kokernag and Tosamaidan to attract more tourists.

The Chief Minister has directed the tourism department to develop infrastructure for promotion of adventure tourism in the state.

Mehbooba expressed hope that the atmosphere becomes conducive for tourists to visit Kashmir.

She also directed the secretary of tourism to launch a strong campaign in various parts of the country as well as abroad, with a focus on South Asian countries.