DC Doda discusses Bhaderwah Tourism Promotion Plan & upcoming Askini Bhaderkashi Utsav 2.0 with stakeholders

DODA, October 19: Deputy Commissioner Doda, Vishesh Mahajan, today convened a meeting with government and private stakeholders to discuss strategies to devise a comprehensive plan for the promotion of tourism in Bhaderwah, besides celebration of Asikini Bhaderkashi Utsav 2.0 to be held in the last week of December 2023.

The meeting aimed to harness the great potential of Bhaderwah as a prominent tourist destination and to seek the inputs and suggestions of stakeholders for effective implementation of the plan.

DC applauded the collaborative efforts of stakeholders for attracting more than 3.70 lakh tourists in the Bhaderwah Valley this year till September 30, compared to last year’s figure of 65000 visitors/ tourists visiting Bhaderwah.

Private stakeholders submitted the proposal for creating civic amenities in  tourist places like Guldanda, Jae Valley, Paddri, Lal Draman, Nalthi etc, on which the DC said that most of the facilities including better roads, toilets etc have been created and assured that the administration shall put in place all the facilities in all the tourist destinations shortly.

The DC informed that good quality hotels, food courts, transport infrastructure, and other facilities have been built in Bhaderwah by the private stakeholders and state-of-art Government Guest Houses are ready to welcome tourists in the district. He said that Five Star properties, shopping malls, luxury hotels, Gaming facilities, food courts, and other amenities are located in Bhaderwah, seeing the huge potential of the area.

He stressed on the stakeholders to make all the arrangements in advance for the upcoming week-long Asikini Bhaderkashi Utsav 2.0. He informed that the administration is expecting a huge footfall of local and outside tourists along with some VIPs in the festival. The colourful cultural programmes have also been planned during the festival to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the district.

DC informed that District Doda, particularly Bhaderwah is a great destination for Adventure Tourism, Film Tourism, Nature Tourism, Religious Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Solace Tourism, because of its unmatched natural beauty, expanded meadows, thick forest, pleasant climate, and charming rivers and streams. The DC apprised the stakeholders of the vision and objectives of the tourism promotion in the district.

During the meeting, the DC emphasized that Bhaderwah, with its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty and adventurous treks, offer a variety of attractions for tourists. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts between the government and private stakeholders to attract tourists and promote the region’s unique attractions.

The stakeholders gave valuable inputs and suggestions to tap the tourism potential of Bhaderwah.

The DC assured to work closely with all stakeholders to create a conducive environment for the growth of the tourism sector in Bhaderwah.

The meeting was attended by ADC Bhaderwah, CPO Doda, SE PWD, JD Tourism Jammu, BDO Bhaderwah, DIO Doda, AD Tourism Batote, Cultural officer, several private stakeholders, including hoteliers, tour operators, film producers, adventure sports organizers, and local representatives.