Jammu, Mar 20: The picturesque Patnitop resort in Jammu division is all set to become a major tourist destination with the 265 square km area around it being developed as a multi-facility tourist circuit to attract tourists round the year. The broad features for the holistic development of the tourist circuit were discussed at the first meeting of the newly constituted nine-member Patnitop development authority yesterday. Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who heads the authority, chaired the meeting whereas Union Minister of State for Defence, Chaman Lal Gupta, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma and Minister for Tourism, Housing and Urban Development, Ghulam Hassan Mir were also present there.
The proposed Patnitop circuit traverses the length and breadth of Kashmir, extending from Chenani (south Kashmir) to Batote (North) and from Sanasar (West) to Basantgarh in east Kashmir. It covers 40 towns and villages including Kud, Sanasar, Karla, Pichoote, Chakwa, Bachhal, Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, Gourikund, Lati, Dudu, Dhunna and Basantgarh.
The circuit will be linked to the shrines of Vaishno Devi and historic temple complexes at Sudhmahadev and Mantalai. Taking full advantage of the existing infrastructure at Mantalai, including the air strip, efforts would be made to introduce activities like para-sailing, para-gliding, aquatic sports in nearby water bodies, trekking among others.
The use of diesel generating sets and polythene bags in Patnitop would be banned to ensure preservation of the environment.
Bureau Report