Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department on Monday said that the Government of India has not introduced any specific scheme or budget allocation exclusively for the development of offbeat tourist destinations.
In response to a query by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan, the department, stated that it is not aware of any exclusive central scheme aimed at promoting or funding offbeat destinations.
It also said that Gurez Valley was conferred the “Best Off-beat Destination in India (Gold)” award in 2022 for its pristine beauty, unique landscape and sustainable tourism practices.
It added that Gurez has already been identified as a potential offbeat destination by the J&K Tourism Department. A dedicated project for its upgradation and development is underway under the Capex Budget for the current financial year 2025–26.
“The Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, is executing the project and necessary formalities are being completed in coordination with the District Administration, Bandipora”, it said—(KNO)