Unleashing Tourism Deluge in Baramulla District
Suhail Khan
Baramulla : In a bold initiative aimed at exploring and promoting tourism in previously uncharted territories, the District Administration of Baramulla orchestrated a grand, day-long summer festival that unfolded in the serene setting of Ladu Ladoora Rafiabad, nestled within the Baramulla district.
This meticulously planned event witnessed an impressive turnout, with a spirited participation that spanned across the district, encompassing students and community members alike.
Kicking off the festivities, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Baramulla, Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmad, extended a warm welcome to Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar, SSP Sopore Shabir Nawab, alongside other district officers and the event’s enthusiastic participants.
The Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Sehrish Asgar, conducted an extensive inspection of various stalls, each representing different departments, with the aim of showcasing a diverse array of information and services to the public.
The festival came alive with an array of vibrant and captivating cultural performances that left the audience spellbound, adding a cultural dimension to the event’s proceedings.
The festival’s resounding success was reflected in its overwhelming response, not only from the local community but also from adventure enthusiasts who seized the opportunity to explore the uncharted.
Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar, addressing the gathered audience, emphasized the burgeoning reputation of Ladu Ladoora as an emerging tourist destination within Baramulla. She pledged unwavering initiatives to further its recognition and create employment prospects for local youth.
The Deputy Commissioner underscored the pivotal role of eco-tourism in opening new economic avenues and bolstering Baramulla’s tourism potential.
Highlighting the administration’s dedication to this cause, Dr. Sehrish Asgar disclosed the identification of 20 destinations for tourism, encompassing border tourism, religious tourism, and heritage tourism.
She urged people to explore the hidden gems of the district, mentioning picturesque locations like Vijji Top, Mundajji, Rampur, Rajpur, Shranz, Drang, Qazinag National Park, in addition to religious and heritage sites including Baba Fareed, Janbazwali, Makhdoom Sahib, Data Mandir, Chattipadshahi, and Meeras Mahal in Sopore.
Assuring the development of necessary infrastructure for eco-tourism in Ladu Ladoora, the DC emphasized the importance of infrastructural enhancement through government schemes, including road construction.
Dr. Sehrish Asgar highlighted several groundbreaking initiatives, including the launch of a website for tourists to seamlessly submit online application forms for visits to Kamanpost in Uri, simplifying the permission process. This website will soon feature details of the 20 identified destinations.
Mundajji, introduced to the tourism map with a winter carnival in February 2023, is now witnessing a daily influx of 2-3 thousand visitors. These endeavors are expected not only to promote these sites but also to create new economic opportunities for local residents.
The local community, including prominent Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), expressed their jubilation and commended the District Administration for organizing the inaugural summer festival in Ladu Ladoora Rafiabad.
In a prior event, Dr. Syed Sehrish, in the presence of DDC Member Rohama, laid the foundation stone for the Nature Park Ladua in Rafiabad. The DC Baramulla emphasized the need for infrastructure upgrades to enhance eco-tourism in the region.
Various initiatives are being undertaken to promote sustainable tourism, with the goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the local population. These efforts symbolize a collaborative endeavor to ensure success.
The massive participation of enthusiastic individuals at Ladu Ladoora during the Summer Festival, organized by the District Administration of Baramulla, underscores its potential to boost eco-tourism in the district.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
