Maharashtra cabinet has approved the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation’s (MTDC) plan to construct two resorts in Jammu and Kashmir and Rs 2 crore has been allotted for the construction of each resort.
The central government has assured states that it will work in tandem with states which are keen on carrying out development work in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are planning to open a resort near Srinagar and to open a mountaineering institute near Ladakh. In the next 15-20 days a team would go there to find suitable sites,” Jaykumar Rawal, Maharashtra Tourism Minister said.
Earlier, the Maharashtra government had expressed interest in purchasing land in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I would like to welcome the abolition of Article 370. It gives immense opportunity to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. As a company, we look at opportunities where we can build resorts. We find that in Kashmir and Ladakh, two new opportunities have opened up. MTDC would be interested in buying properties, investing in hotels and hospitality segment in Kashmir and Ladakh,” Rawal, who is also the chairman of MTDC, on August 6 had said.
“We are looking at a full resort with three-four star facilities. We have a lot of tourists from Maharashtra travelling to Jammu and Kashmir. People are very excited with the idea of safely travelling in Kashmir,” he had further said.
The state administration had also claimed that the construction and subsequent operation of the resort would create employment opportunities in Kashmir. The state government’s plans were made clear a day after the Centre abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and revoked the special status of the state. The state has also been divided into two union territories- Jammu and Kashmir, with legislative assembly and Ladakh, without one.
