J&K govt to punish those found cheating tourists

Srinagar: In an effort to boost Jammu and Kashmir`s image as a global tourist destination, the state government has issued a warning that stern action will be taken against those found cheating tourists.

"It should be ensured that no tourist should be cheated by any person related to tourism trade, which harms the business and gives bad name to the state. "Such offenders would be dealt with stern action under the Tourist Act of the state," state minister for tourism G A Mir said yesterday during a meeting here. Mir directed the enforcement agencies for strict enforcement of tourism rules and regulation for the facilitation of the tourists. The minister also asked officers of various departments to keep a close coordination for tourism boom in the state. He said issues confronting protection and conservation of ecology of any potential spot should be solved with close coordination and it should be ensured that no tourist faces any problem at any destination. The meeting, which was also attended by Minister for Forests Mian Altaf Ahmad, discussed several issues related to conservation of rich environs of the famous tourist resort Sonamarg. The ministers issued directions to authorities concerned to take immediate steps to safe guard the destination from any illegal intervention. The meeting gave nod to the formulation of a Committee headed by Director Tourism, Kashmir and District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, with Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal and Chief Executive Officer Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) as its members. The Committee would look into issues pertaining to the raising of illegal structures at the destination. PTI