Srinagar, Oct 22: Six months after the centre announced a Rs 174 crore package for revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the state government started its implementation by distributing cheques worth Rs 23.5 lakh among 'shikara' owners here today. Chief Minister Sayeed distributed Rs 10,000 cheques each as loan among 235 shikara owners for repair and renovation of their boats at Nehru Park that is located beside the famous Dal Lake.
The loans were granted under the package, announced by Prime Minister A B Vajpayee during a meeting with the delegation of people associated with tourism industry during his April visit to the valley, on soft interest of four per cent with the centre bearing the interest differential.
Addressing the "Dal dwellers", who run the shikara and houseboat trade, Sayeed lauded the efforts of the community in keeping the tourism industry alive through the decade of turmoil in the state.
He said the Dal Lake would be cleared of encroachers and the Dal dwellers would be rehabilitated suitably for preserving the lake which is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state.
Bureau Report