JK News Today
Rajouri, Oct. 16
The Gujjars and Bakerwals a main scheduled tribe communities of Jammu and Kashmir today pleaded before the state government to introduce the concept of ‘Tribal tourism’ create infrastructure and set up Tribal Tourist destination in different areas.
Attending a programme organised by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation -the community members stated the tribal tourism will not only help the state to attract new tourists to trek mountains and discover the primitive treats of Gujjar- Bakerwal tribes but “will help in eradicating poverty among nomads by boosting their economy in a sustainable manner” .
The programme was presided over by noted Gujjar scholar Dr. Javaid Rahi while a selected gathering of Gujjar dignitaries was present on the occasion’
In his address focused on ‘Tribal Economy of J&K’ Dr. Javaid Rahi stated that there is great potential for new sector of ‘Tribal Tourism’ in the state. He said, “The governmentmay re-design the tribal areas for tourist which already exists in Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri, Mansar, Mantalai, Patnitop, Poonch , Rajouri as it will help in burgeoning the local foreign tourist inflow to the state”.
He said that the creation of new trekking routs in mountainiouse tribal areas of Pirpanchal and Trikuta Hills of north-Western Himalaya can help in making new tourist circuits in lush green forest areas.
Dr Rahi said “Nomadic lifestyle of Gujjars , Bakerwals and other tribes is a treasure of a rich and diverse cultural heritage which have a potential to fascinate many tourists and can prove a strong motivation for them to peep into their coulorfull traditions of nomadic tribes and their exotic rituals, customs , rhythmical music, dances and sports which exists since centuries ” .
He said that the ‘HOME-STAY’ in nomadic huts in ‘Dhoks’ and ‘Bhaks’ with tribal vegetarian cousin of Gujjars like Kadhan, leeti with wild vegetables and dairy products can prove a great potential to catch the attention of domestic and foreign tourists for a new experience.
Dr. Rahi offered free assistance of Tribal Foundation for designing the tribal destination and introducing the Tribal Tourism in the State and hoped that Tourism Ministry with the help of Tribal Ministry will take an initiative in this potential secretor.
The speakers on the occasion appealed the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti who is also the Tourism as well as the Tribal Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to initiate steps to introduce this new concept of Tribal Tourism in state and regulate the visit of domestic and foreign tourists to areas inhabited by nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal Tribes.
