Srinagar, Sep 28 : The Jammu and Kashmir government has outlined a comprehensive multi-crore plan to boost tourism in the Sopore constituency, with a major focus on developing infrastructure around Wular Lake, promoting homestays, and boosting adventure and eco-tourism activities.
In a reply tabled in the Assembly (Un-Starred D.No. 1/6/273) to a question by MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, the Tourism Department detailed the steps taken to promote tourism in the region.
According to the official document, the government as per Kashmir Convener has completed several key infrastructure projects. These include the repair and renovation of Baba Shakur-ud-din at Watlab at a cost of Rs 55.00 lakh, and the development of Z/S Usman Bibi Maryam (Bona Astan) at Tujar Sharief Sopore for Rs 113.96 lakh.
Other completed works include the upgradation of assets—a cafeteria, six double-room huts with a kitchen, a meeting hall, and a five-bedroom guest house—at Watlab Bandipora, costing Rs 48.82 lakh. The government informed the House that work on the electrification of the Hazrat Baba Shakur-ud-din (RA) Shrine at Watlab Sopore, at an estimated cost of Rs 12.73 lakh, is currently in progress.
To further bolster the local economy, the department has proposed new projects worth Rs 483.30 lakh under the SASCI and Priority Works Plan (2026-27). This includes the repair and renovation of VIP Huts at Watlab Sopore (Rs 248.30 lakh), the development of adventure tourism activities like rock climbing, paragliding, and a Water Sports Park (Rs 40.00 lakh), and the development of a park at Watlab (Rs 20.00 lakh). Additionally, the government plans to develop eco-tourism huts at wetland sites (Rs 75.00 lakh) and develop Ningli as a tourist destination (Rs 100.00 lakh).
Addressing specific queries on adventure tourism, the government clarified that no exclusive projects for water sports, rock climbing, or trekking are currently underway specifically for Sopore. However, it acknowledged the “considerable tourism and adventure potential” of the area, particularly around Wular Lake and Watlab.
“Adventure tourism is undertaken on an activity basis for the UT of J&K as a whole covering Sopore Constituency as well rather than constituency-wise or area-wise,” the reply stated, adding that the department will continue to promote the region’s potential as part of its broader Kashmir Division strategy.
To ensure local communities benefit, the Tourism Department, in coordination with the District Administration, is actively promoting community-based eco-tourism. The government stated that local communities, including the fisher community, are being integrated into the tourism ecosystem by facilitating opportunities in boat and Shikara rides, tourist guiding, homestays, and local handicrafts.
The department is also conducting capacity-building and skill development programs to train local youth as eco-guides, bird-watching guides, and nature interpreters. The government noted that assets like the Cafeteria at Watlab have been outsourced for three years at an annual cost of Rs 1,95,500, with a 10% annual escalation, to ensure operational efficiency.
“These initiatives are aimed at generating local employment, enhancing livelihood opportunities and gradually diversifying the livelihoods of wetland-dependent communities towards sustainable, non-extractive tourism activities,” the reply added.
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