Govt Examining Proposal to Notify New Tourist Destinations in Doda: CM Omar | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that the Government is examining a proposal to notify several new tourism-worthy areas in Jammu and Kashmir, including multiple locations in Doda district.

Replying to a question by MLA Doda West Shakti Raj Parihar during the Question Hour of the ongoing Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said identified sites in Doda include Udhrana, Sarna, Nalthi, Chinta, Guldanda, Padri, Khaleni Top, Lal Draman (municipal limits) and Shibnote.

He informed the House that the Tourism Department is focused on strengthening infrastructure and improving visitor facilities across major destinations in the Union Territory. Prominent sites in Doda such as Lal Draman, Dedni, Dal Draman, Ramrachna, Galadhar and Dessa are being actively developed and promoted.

Omar Abdullah said Doda is already recognised as an important tourist destination and sustained efforts are underway to further boost tourism in the region. As part of promotional initiatives for 2024–25 and 2025–26, events including the Lavender Festival, Winter Festival, Mega Wrestling Competition, Maa Chandi Yatra promotion, Bhal Padri Mela and Lal Draman Snow Festival have been organised to attract visitors.

He added that the department has participated in 11 tourism marts during 2025–26 to showcase destinations from the Jammu division, including Doda, with further promotional activities planned in the coming months.

On infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said key projects include a double-storey guest house at Lal Draman at a cost of Rs 75.63 lakh, along with beautification works, viewpoints, public conveniences and allied facilities completed at a cost of Rs 80 lakh under the CAPEX budget.

In a separate reply, he said the Government is actively pursuing the outsourcing of the Yoga and Spiritual Centre at Mantalai, with efforts underway to operationalise the facility at the earliest.