Today, PM Modi will visit Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is his said to be his first visit post abrogation of Article 370. This has already created a buzz not just in the valley but also in the country.
At around 12 noon, PM Modi will participate in the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Jammu and Kashmir” programme at Bakshi stadium. He will then inaugurate development projects worth Rs 5000 crore.
Unveiling Projects…
- HADP- Stands for ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme.’ It shall help for boost agri-economy in J&K. This will cover horticulture, agriculture and animal husbandry in Jammu and Kashmir. It will equip around 2.5 lakh farmers with skill development via dedicated Daksh Kisan portal. Under this programme, around 2000 Kisan Khidmat Ghars will be established which will help create robust value chains.
- He will also launch multiple projects related to the tourism sector worth more than Rs 1400 crore. Some of these projects are- Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme and the project for ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine.’
- Prime Minister will also launch the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign.’ He will also announce tourist destinations selected under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. The vision is to develop the tourism sector across cultural, spiritual, adventure, nature and wildlife categories.
Then in the 5th or “other” category, people can vote and select their own personal favourite as unexplored tourist destinations like- vibrant border village or wedding destination etc.
- PM Modi will then distribute appointment orders to around 1000 new Government recruits of Jammu and Kashmir. He will also interact with the beneficiaries of various government schemes, including women achievers, Lakhpati Didi’s, farmers and entrepreneurs etc.
- Apart from this, PM Modi will also launch 43 other development projects that will develop a wide range of pilgrimage and tourist sites across the country. During his visit he will engage with the citizens to understand tourist preferences and to identify potential tourist destinations.
- Then he will also announce 42 tourist destinations selected under “Challenge Based Destination Development” (CBDD) Scheme. These destinations fall under 4 themes, namely 16 in Culture & Heritage Destination; 11 in Spiritual Destinations; 10 in Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar; and 5 under Vibrant Village.
Overall, the Prime Minister is expected to speak on various development initiatives and on declining terrorism. Kashmir has indeed come a long way since the abrogation of Article 370. The situation has improved significantly in terms of security and there has been an incremental decline in violence. At present, security in Srinagar is tight ahead of PM Modi’s visit and drones surveillance is in place.