Committee to strengthen tourist destination governance in J&K

Jammu: In a major step towards enhancing the governance and management of key tourist destinations, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has constituted a committee tasked with developing a comprehensive framework aimed at improving tourism governance in the Union Territory.
As per the order issued by commissioner/secretary to Government Sanjeev Verma is mandated to prepare a roadmap to strengthen the governance structures of Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) in the region.
Its primary objective is to create a sustainable and financially viable governance framework that ensures the long-term growth of tourism, while also addressing ecological concerns and developmental needs.
The committee will be chaired by the Administrative Secretary of Finance Department , with representatives from several other key administrative departments, including Housing and Urban Development Department, Planning, Development and Monitoring, Law, Justice &Parliamentary Affairs, and Forest, Ecology & Environment. The committee will also have the flexibility to co-opt members as needed to ensure comprehensive expertise in the planning process.
The committee’s work will focus on addressing the challenges faced by the tourism sector in the region, drawing from past experiences to propose solutions. It will also aim to ensure that the governance structures are financially viable and capable of supporting the growing demands of tourism. The importance of balancing development with ecological sustainability will be a central consideration, with the committee expected to recommend measures that protect the region’s fragile ecosystems while promoting tourism.
Additionally, the committee will look to incorporate global best practices, adapting successful models from other parts of India and the world to the local context. It will also emphasize limiting the role of the government to providing essential infrastructure while encouraging private sector involvement under strict, transparent regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, the committee will work towards creating an empowered organizational structure with an in-built system of checks and balances to ensure effective governance and accountability.
The committee is expected to submit its report within 45 days.