Kargil/ Jan. 25: Union Minister of State (IC) Tourism and culture, Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated National Tourism Day at Ice Hockey Rink Biamathang Kargil here today.

Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor (CEC) LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan, Executive Councilor for Works Mubarak Shah Nagvi, Executive Councilor for Tourism and Zanskar Affairs Phunsog Tashi, Executive Councilor for Health Muhammad Ali Chandan, Member of Parliament, Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Executive Councilor for Rural Development, LAHDC,  Leh Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Ladakh Rigzian Sampheal, Director Tourism Ladakh Kunzes Angmo, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Baseer ul Haq Choudhary, SP Kargil Anayat Ali Choudhary, Principal IITTM Professor Alok Sharma, Chief Organizer of the event Colonel J S Dhillon, officers of Civil, Police Administration and Army, athletes and sports lovers were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion the Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said that air connectivity is necessary for the promotion of tourism and in this regard if any private company starts ATR services in Kargil then the Tourism Department GoI can fill the gap funding.

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The Minister added that narrative to the outside world should go that Kargil is not a war zone rather a peace zone. He further added that the Central Government is determined to provide every necessary infrastructure so that an international level skiing and mountaineering institute is established in Kargil.

Further adding to it, Prahlad Patel said the Government of India is committed to protect the dignity of this place and in this regard local players should be trained to master the skiing courses and requested students to enroll in the courses of IITTM for professional courses in hospitality.

CEC Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan thanked the Union Minister on behalf of the people of Kargil for his visit and taking essential steps for the promotion of tourism in the district. He also thanked union minister for announcing an IISM branch in Kargil.

Feroz Khan said that a negative projection was done about Kargil negating it as a war zone but the arrival of the Union Tourism Minister in the midst of this harsh winter season to the district has put down that stereotype.

Khan added that without all weather connectivity and air connectivity, tourism cannot go smoothly in Kargil and demanded that civil airport and civil air services should be made functional for Kargil at earliest possibility. He added that the COVID-19 pandemic has halted the work of hotel industry and in this regard the loans should be exempted from hotel owners by the ministry.

MP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government is determined to bring development in all sectors of the newly formed Union Territory.

Jamyang said that the potential of this area has not yet been explored and the Central Government is committed to explore the place at its best and give Kargil its due share.

The MP added that holding of winter festival at Zanskar and celebration of National Tourism Day besides the start of various winter sports workshops and tournaments in Kargil and the visit of two Union Ministers despite the harsh winter season reflects the Central Government’s commitment for of the promotion of Tourism in Kargil.

Jamyang asserted that tourism here should be rural centric and more guest houses should be made and government has provided necessary provisions for it also.

Commissioner Secretary Tourism Ladakh Rigzian Sampheal said that it is a historic day in perspective of tourism as the Minister for Tourism and Culture GoI has showed his love for the people of Kargil and Ladakh by visiting here.

Sampheal said that Tourism has a large share in Ladakh’s economy and since UT was established different important decisions were made. Earlier in the erstwhile state the budget was 12 crore it has been increased to 250 crores, the Secretary added.

Deputy Commissioner Kargil Baseer ul Haq Choudhary extended thanks to the Minister of Tourism and Culture GoI for his visit and hoped that the Central Government will provide necessary support for the promotion of tourism and other developmental activities in the district.

Director IITTM Professor Alok Sharma extended his thanks to the Minister of Tourism and Culture and also paid gratitude to the LAHDC, and District Administration, Kargil for making the event successful.

Meanwhile, Chief Organizer J S Dhillon expressed happiness over the successful completion of the Ice Hockey championship and the announcement of IISM for Kargil.

Earlier, during the final matches of the IISM Cup under National Events of Adventure Tourism (NEAT) Kargil 2021, in Men’s category Chiktan won over Leh with a margin 1-0 goals and in Women’s category Leh won over Kargil by 4-0 goals.

One of the main highlights of the event was the 1000 and 500 meters ice skating race displayed by the national and local players under senior and junior categories. 

Later, the Minister distributed Ice Hockey equipments and medals among the participating players.