Jammu-Kashmir Govt. builds wayside facilities for pilgrims, tourists

SRINAGAR - As part of its endeavour to ensure a joyful pilgrimage for devotees visiting the holy shrine of Amarnath and tourists here, the Jammu and Kashmir government is building wayside facilities.

The facilities are being constructed on way to Sonamarg and will soon be made available to tourists and pilgrims.

The construction of a restaurant, hut, viewpoints, and roadside shops are on full swing and it’s likely to be completed very soon.

The State Government is spending Rs. 1.50 crore at constructing this resting place. Around forty percent of construction has completed so far.

“We want a food court to be made here, and a souvenir shop so that the tourists can sit there and not face any difficulties. We also want to build wayside facilities in every tourist destination in a planned manner. And, Sonamarg, that we want to develop as a model so that the tourists use it more often,” said Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director of the Tourism Department.

The Government hopes that the surroundings of this unique place will captivate tourists as well Amarnath pilgrims. On the way of Sonamarg track, this place is expected to become one of the best resting places for tourists as well the pilgrims.

The natural beauty, neat and clean atmosphere of this resting place are hoped to add to their mood while relaxing.

With the help of this resting place, the local residents of the area are likely to benefit because number of shops will be also constructing on the spot.

“This place is surrounded by mountains. The wind also feels very nice making anyone feel being in heaven. The employment will also increase, as people will come up with new hotels and restaurants,” said Sameer Ahmad, a labourer.

Kashmir valley has a number of famous and attractive tourist destinations including Sonamarg. Tourists from all over the world, who visit Kashmir, feel if they failed to visit Sonamarg, their visit here remained incomplete.

Kashmir is a Mecca for climbers, skiers, honeymooners and filmmakers drawn to the State’s soaring peaks, fruit orchards and timber houseboats bobbing on Dal Lake in Srinagar.

The Amarnath caves are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism, dedicated to the god Shiva, located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The shrine is claimed to be over 5,000 years old and forms an important part of ancient Hindu mythology.

Located at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft),about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, the cave attracts a large number of devotees from across the country. By Afzal Butt (ANI)