Govt examining proposal to notify new tourism areas in J&K: Minister
Jammu: The Minister for Agriculture, Javid Ahmad Dar Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that the government is examining a proposal regarding the notification of new tourism-worthy areas across Jammu and Kashmir, including several prominent locations in Bani Constituency like Bani town, Lowang and Sarthal.
The Minister stated this while replying to a question on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah raised by Legislator Dr. Rameshwar Singh in the House.
Responding to a supplementary question, the Minister stated that the government is committed to take all necessary steps to strengthen the tourism infrastructure across Jammu division.
He added that efforts will be made to establish rest houses and tourist huts at key tourist destinations to enhance facilities for the visitors and promote sustainable tourism.
The Minister further informed that, under the direction of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, a Winter Carnival was conducted on 8 February, 2026 at Bani as part of the government’s broader initiative to promote tourism development in the region. He added that the event was held to showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourism potential of the area.
The Minister reiterated government’s commitment towards exploring and developing new tourist destinations to boost local economy, generate employment and position Jammu and Kashmir as a premier travel destination.
Annual flood protection works on river Tawi executed under UT CAPEX, NABARD: Javed Rana
Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana today informed the Legislative Assembly that flood management and protection works on River Tawi are executed every year as per approved plan under UT CAPEX and NABARD for River Training works and strengthening of embankments.
The Minister stated this while replying to a question raised by Legislator Surinder Kumar in the House today.
Javed Rana said several flood protection works under UT CAPEX are underway, with six completed and five ongoing. He added that River Tawi training work from Manwal to the Indo-Pak border is also in progress under NABARD.
The Minister further informed that three new works have been tendered for restoration and strengthening of embankment of river Tawi for an estimated cost of Rs. 769.96 lakh.
He highlighted that these works include restoration of earthen embankment on the left bank of River Tawi at Bikram Chowk and upstream of Bikram Chowk Bridge, construction of damaged flood protection structures on the right bank of River Tawi near Hari Singh Park and construction of flood protection works to safeguard houses and land on the left bank of River Tawi at Chak Malhori Bajalta, adding that the project has already been tendered as approved.
