The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to improve tourism infrastructure at several scenic spots along the Mughal Road, which links Poonch and Rajouri with south Kashmir’s Shopian, according to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Dubjan, Mughal Sarai, Peer-ki-Gali, and Shakroo Keller, located along this historic route, are known for their natural beauty and picturesque landscapes, making them ideal for tourism development. Abdullah, who also oversees the tourism department, shared this information in a written response to a question by independent MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay in the Assembly.
Kullay, representing the Shopian constituency, inquired about the government’s plans to boost tourism infrastructure along the Mughal Road to attract more visitors. In response, Abdullah stated that the tourism department has already initiated various projects in the area.
Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, tourism-related infrastructure worth ₹6.32 crore has been developed in Shopian. Additionally, 12 projects costing ₹2.51 crore have been completed under the CAPEX budget, while eight new projects, estimated at ₹84 lakh, have been started for the 2024-25 financial year.
The government also aims to develop infrastructure at Dubjan and Peer-ki-Gali. However, since these areas fall under the jurisdiction of the forest department, construction is currently restricted. To address this, the tourism department has started a project worth ₹35 lakh under the State CAPEX Budget 2024-25 for building a cafeteria and public convenience facility near Peer-ki-Gali at Hirpora. The process of identifying and transferring land for the project is underway.
Further plans include setting up eco-log huts, cafeterias, dormitories, viewing decks, and other necessary infrastructure in these locations. The tourism department intends to collaborate with the forest department and apply for land transfer through the Parivesh portal.
