HRACF Leadership Honors Shri Farooq Ahmad Shah and Discusses Comprehensive Development of Gulmarg
By zia Shakeel
HRACF Leadership Honors Shri Farooq Ahmad Shah and Discusses Comprehensive Development of Gulmarg
Today, a pivotal meeting was held between the President of the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Forum (HRACF), Mr. Mudasir Ahmad Naikoo, and the HRACF Secretary, Mr. Adil Mustafa Bhat, with Shri. Farooq Ahmad Shah, the esteemed MLA of Gulmarg Constituency. The leaders engaged in extensive discussions on initiatives to elevate Gulmarg as a globally recognized and sustainably developed tourist destination.
The HRACF leadership took the opportunity to honor Shri. Farooq Ahmad Shah for his relentless dedication to the development of Gulmarg and his advocacy for the rights of the local community. The discussions were both fruitful and detailed, focusing on several aspects critical to the region’s growth.
Core Points Discussed in the Meeting
1. Tourist Guide Licenses:
Addressing the long-standing need for a structured and transparent system for issuing guide licenses.
Ensuring that local youth are given priority and access to training programs to qualify as licensed guides.
Implementation of policies to support guides in their profession and recognize them as vital stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem.
2. Aviation and Adventure Tourism:
Exploring innovative avenues to incorporate aviation services such as helicopter tourism, paragliding, and hot air ballooning.
Discussing safety protocols and environmental guidelines to ensure these activities are conducted responsibly.
Creating frameworks to attract national and international adventure tourists while benefiting the local economy.
3. Infrastructure Development:
Upgrading Gulmarg’s facilities, including roads, accommodation, and amenities for tourists, to meet international standards.
Prioritizing projects that align with eco-tourism principles to preserve Gulmarg’s pristine environment.
Developing modern tourist hubs while maintaining the region’s cultural and historical heritage.
4. Empowerment of the Local Community:
Highlighting the importance of community participation in tourism projects and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Launching programs for skill enhancement, employment generation, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on youth and women.
Introducing initiatives that ensure equitable distribution of tourism-related revenue among local residents.
5. Environmental and Ecological Conservation:
Recognizing Gulmarg’s ecological significance and emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in all developmental activities.
Advocating for stringent measures to control waste, reduce pollution, and protect wildlife and vegetation.
Proposing collaborations with environmental experts to develop long-term conservation strategies.
Outcomes of the Meeting
The discussions culminated in a shared vision to transform Gulmarg into a model tourist destination that balances development with sustainability. Shri. Farooq Ahmad Shah appreciated HRACF’s proactive approach and assured full support in implementing actionable strategies. Both parties agreed to work collectively to address challenges, unlock new opportunities, and ensure the holistic growth of Gulmarg.
This meeting marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration between political leadership and advocacy groups for the betterment of the region and its people.
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