Tag Archives: Manoj Sinha

Kashmir Marathon Set to Promote J&K as a Leading Tourist Hub:LG

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that the Kashmir Marathon will showcase Jammu and Kashmir as a top-tier tourist destination.

Introducing the logo, website, and teaser for the inaugural Kashmir Marathon set for October 20 in Srinagar, LG Sinha stated, “We aspire to make this event a beacon of peace and harmony. I am confident the Kashmir Marathon will place J&K firmly on the global running map and enhance global recognition of J&K, highlighting our potential as a premier tourist destination.”

He congratulated the J&K Tourism Department and all the stakeholders associated with the international running event.

The LG invited runners from around the globe to join the Kashmir Marathon and discover the unique charm of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the Kashmir Marathon was the next addition to the series of world-class events being organised in J&K following the successful F4 racing event in Srinagar, the Sunburn Music Festival in Jammu, and the J&K Tourism Development Conclave held recently in Srinagar.

“We are also exploring possibilities to organise the annual Jammu Marathon,” LG Sinha said.

Emphasizing the socio-economic benefits of the Kashmir Marathon, he noted that the event would invigorate local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, thus enhancing the region’s prosperity.

Amarnath yatra kicks off with first batch reaching Kashmir

 

The first batch of over 4,000 pilgrims, including nine children, arrived in the Kashmir Valley on Friday for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which will commence from the twin base camps in the Valley on Saturday. The pilgrims boarded a cavalcade of 231 vehicles in Jammu and reached south Kashmir in the afternoon.

Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of 4,603 pilgrims from the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu, with devotees raising slogans and singing hymns. Sinha emphasised that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, with multiple security rings in place.

This year’s pilgrimage is taking place under the shadow of militant threat after nine pilgrims were killed and 33 injured in Reasi on June 9 when militants attacked a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori to Katra. J&K Director General of Police R.R. Swain stressed the need to follow the cut-off timings for vehicles carrying pilgrims to the Valley and directed the security agencies to remain vigilant, adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and conduct regular training and drills.

Security agencies have made elaborate arrangements for patrolling, monitoring highways, and for night domination exercises. A three-tier security set-up is in place at the base camp in the Bhagwati Nagar area in Jammu, and special Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have been constituted.

The Amarnath Yatra will be held for 52 days this year, with pilgrims in lakhs expected to trek from the twin base camps located in south and central Kashmir’s tourist places of Pahalgam and Sonmarg respectively.

The traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district is 48 km long, and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district is 14 km. The cave shrine is located at an altitude of 13,000 feet.

Around 4.5 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine last year, and over 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for the pilgrimage till date this year. BJP leader Devender Singh Rana expressed confidence that people from all over the country will receive the blessings of Lord Shiva and get love and affection from J&K’s residents, as in every year.

FTAs to J&K increase by 350% post G-20: LG

The foreign tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir have increased by 350 per cent this year post the G20 meeting held in May, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said. Addressing a function after inaugurating the Vistadome rail coach at Nowgam railway station here, Sinha also said 1.70 crore tourists have visited J-K so far this year.

“Srinagar hosted the G20 meeting (the third tourism working group meeting of the G20 member countries) and post that, the number of foreign tourist arrivals in J-K has gone up by 350 per cent from the last year,” the LG said.

He said last year J-K witnessed a record 1.88 crore tourist arrivals, but this year, 1.70 crore tourists have already visited J-K till September this year.

Sinha said the Vistadome coach on the train will boost tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.

“It will not only ferry travellers from Budgam to Banihal, but also provide livelihood opportunities to the youth at Budgam, Qazigund, and Banihal stations. The coach will help tourists see Kashmir’s beauty with a new perspective,” he added.

He said the introduction of the Vistadome coach is another step towards J-K’s developmental journey.

The state-of-the-art Vistadome coach, which has advanced features of entertainment and sitting, will chug from Budgam to Banihal.

The coach has rotational seats, transparent glass roof, and windows, offering 360-degree views.

Giving details about the coach, chief area manager, Srinagar, Northern Railway, Saqib Yusuf said it is going to be a major tourist attraction for people visiting the valley.

“It is a glass-top coach with wide windows, rotating chairs, so that the passengers can enjoy the Kashmir valley’s panoramic look especially in the coming winter season. It is expected to give a major boost to tourism in the Kashmir valley. It will run from Budgam to Banihal in the morning, and in the evening, it will run from Banihal to Budgam. It will run six days a week,” Yusuf said.

 

59% Increase in Tourism in J&K After G20 Meet: LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said that foreign tourists’ arrival in the region increased by 59% after the recent G20 working group meeting in Srinagar. The meeting not only strengthened political relations but also opened new possibilities in the tourism sector, he said.

Sinha, while addressing the Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, said people have embarked on a new journey of peace, love and stability, which will lead to development and a golden future. Hundreds of people including government officials, for whom attendance was mandatory, participated in the function at the redeveloped stadium.

“The recent G20 working group meeting, ongoing Amarnath yatra and muharram procession after three decades symbolises the change on ground… “After the G 20 meeting, the arrival of foreign tourists compared to the last few years increased by 59%… Foreign devotees participated in the Amarnath yatra as well,” said Sinha, adding, “Separatism and terrorism is a cancer for society and it has to be taken out.” (Source The ET)

Army to release Srinagar’s Tattoo Ground for tourism development

The Army will completely relocate its troops from Srinagar’s Tattoo Ground, which is spread over 139.04 acres, and this area will be thrown open for tourist activities in the near future.

An official spokesman said the Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir for the transfer of the Tattoo Ground to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The prime land will be now used for the tourism promotion with J&K government deciding to come up with a first ever Amusement Park at the space which will be vacated by the army. The land will be handed over by the MoD to J&K government within the period of 120 days.

In May this year J&K government had formed a committee to evaluate bids for the development of a ‘world-class’ amusement park at Tattoo Ground.

 

Shrine tourism in Kashmir can attract visitors from across India: LG

Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha yesterday visited the revered shrine of Hazratbal in Srinagar and called for “shrine tourism” in Kashmir. He said that Eid-ul-Azha is a festival of peace and harmony.

Sinha said that officials from the administration are present and preparations are in place for the upcoming festival of Eid.
He said that the way people from across India are coming for the Amarnath Yatra, people can also come to see revered shrines like Hazratbal, Charar-e-Sharief and dozens of other shrines in the Valley.

“Shrine tourism can attract people from the rest of the country. I am open to get feedback from the people, Waqf Board and anyone else on this issue. You can talk to me or I can visit you as well,” he said.