NEW DELHI: In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited Srinagar on Monday and called for intensified efforts to strengthen India’s tourism sector, particularly in sensitive pilgrimage zones like Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at a meeting of tourism secretaries from various states and union territories, Shekhawat stressed the importance of seamless coordination between the Centre and the states to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a “global tourism hub.”
He said, “Tourism is not merely about leisure or sightseeing. It is a strategic pillar of economic development, employment generation, and cultural identity. To make India truly ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and globally competitive, states must work in close synergy with the Centre.”
Amarnath Yatra Under Spotlight
With the annual Amarnath Yatra underway, Shekhawat’s visit takes on added significance. Security concerns have heightened after the recent attack in Pahalgam, a region that lies on the pilgrimage route. The Union Minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to ensuring a safe and enriching spiritual experience for pilgrims and called on the Jammu and Kashmir administration to further bolster arrangements.
“The Amarnath Yatra is not just a spiritual journey, but a testament to India’s religious harmony and cultural richness. Protecting it is protecting our heritage,” he added.
Strategic Push to Rebuild Tourism Confidence
Shekhawat highlighted the urgent need to instill confidence among domestic and international tourists. He noted that under the Centre’s Dekho Apna Desh and Swadesh Darshan 2.0 schemes, 128 projects worth over ₹7,100 crore have been sanctioned to upgrade India’s tourism infrastructure, with a special focus on spiritual and heritage circuits.
He also informed that under the PRASAD scheme, 54 projects worth over ₹1,726 crore have been launched to promote religious tourism, including those in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a forward-looking announcement, Shekhawat shared that India’s top 50 tourist destinations will be developed in a “challenge mode” as part of the 2025–26 budget push. These sites will be equipped with world-class hospitality, logistics, and security frameworks.
