Tourism plays an important role in the economic development of the state. Keeping this in mind, the Jammu and Kashmir Government is keen on bringing more areas on the state’s tourist map.

As part of this initiative, it recently held the first ever Grameen-cum-Tourism Mela in the meadow of Lal Draman, Doda, about 250 km from Jammu. The event was organized by the district administration in collaboration with the Departments of Rural Development and Tourism.

“Lal Draman has huge potential as a tourist hub and most tourist spots here are still unexplored,” claimed Tariq Naik, Assistant Director (Tourism), Batote.

“By organizing such events, we are making every possible effort to popularize it,” Naik added.

Residents welcomed the fair, saying such initiatives would help to spread public awareness about the tourist potential of the region.

“It is a beautiful place to visit and this is a good initiative by the tourism department. Lal Draman is just one tourist spot. There are many picturesque places in Doda that can be developed as tourist destinations,” said Mohammad Ashraf Zargar, a resident of the area.

The mela showcased the region’s culture, its tourist destinations and other main attractions.

“We like this place and the festival. We have come from far with our children who took part in several cultural activities at the festival. It is a nice place to visit,” said Pushpa Devi, a tourist.

There are plans to make the mela an annual feature, set up a ropeway and promote adventure sports like skiing, mountaineering and biking in the region.