STRESS MANAGEMENT By Mehvish Manzoor

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Stress is a reaction your body experiences as a result of a demanding circumstance or event that requires immediate action and attention. Specifically, this reason causes your nervous system to produce hormones (aderaline and cortisol) and result in quickened breathing, afaster heartbeat, tightening muscles and even a sudden burst of energy. Stress management is a process for controlling and individual level of stress. Stress management may include practicing daily meditation, identifying relaxing activities(which may different for every individual) or a combination of multiple techniques. Stress management is important because chronic stress can wreak havoc on your bodies immune system and contribute to health problems such as tension headaches, migraine headaches, insomnia, weight gain, depression, anxiety, digestive problems and even heart diseases. Both acute and chronic stress impact memory and concentration, making effective stress management Crucial  for optimal day to day functioning.

BENEFITS OF  STRESS MANAGEMENT:

Stress often has a negative connotation, but it is actually useful and necessary .Stress can make you more aware of your surroundings, increase your focus, give you needed energy to complete a pending task and even supply your body with the extra ordinary ability to handle and emergency. Your body’s intended purpose for stress  is therefore, a naturally good and beneficial one. Stress is a physical response by your body designed to help you. Stress exists to provide your body  with the tools needed to  effectively react  to unplanned, challenging circumstances. Stress should be reserved for these special circumstances and consequently, occur infrequently. Unfortunately, people can experience stress quite frequently in their lives; thus, spurring on many problems associated with overall  health.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF STRESS

Stress become a problem  when it operates out of its natural, intended purpose; that is, when it occurs frequently and over a long period of time. The body will still produce hormones and experience the same effects of stress-rapid heartbeat, tightening muscles, fast breathing-no matter how often the stress occurs.

Therefore, if people experience stress nearly every day; their hearts muscles, digestive and immune systems will endure negative consequences. People who experience chronic stress can suffer from high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heartburn, headaches, and viral illness. Stress can have very serious health consequences and therefore, needs to be managed effectively.

HOW TO MANAGE STRESS EFFECTIVELY

Stress management is having  the ability to recognize situations that may cause stress, in order to use strategies to prevent the stress from occurring. Stress management also means setting up your life in a way that the opportunity for stress is unlikely to occur. The best approach to stress management is different from person to person, depending on the stressors that impact the individual and how each individual responds to various coping techniques. Thankfully, there are many known strategies that are widely used and very effective when it comes to managing stress.

SOME EFFECTIVE STRESS MANAGENT TIPS AND TECHNIQUES INCLUDE:

Time management: Time  constraints can trigger stress in people’s lives. Schedules often become overloaded, causing people to feel overwhelmed. In order to alleviate this kind of stress, making a list of priorities can help your schedule become more manageable  and possible to complete.

Self awareness: Knowing your personal limits is crucial because being pushed outside of your personal limitations, can cause unneeded stress. What some people consider a busy schedule, others do not. Some people are equipped to handle multiple  tasks while others need a simpler schedule. Therefore, you need to be aware of your boundaries, according to your personality and value system. Eliminate things in your life that do not line up with what you personally can handle so that you experience stress less often.

Healthy diet: maintaining good nutrition can help both your mind and body function well and give you the ability to cope with every day demands better. When your body receives its necessary nutrients and proper fuel, stress is less likely to accompany everyday tasks.

Exercise: Committing to a consistent exercise routine allows your body to release tension and  even relax its muscles, benefiting your physical well-being. Taking steps to support good health gives you the ability to focus on life’s responsibilities without added pressure or stress.

Healthy sleep habits: Adequate sleep is important for  allowing your body time to repair and rejuvenate, which helps with mental alertness, memory, and concentration, and also boosts immune strength. Going to bed at the same time each night, eliminating distractions such as television and mobile devices, and aiming fir seven  to eight hours of sleep each night are best practices for healthy sleep.

“IT IS NOT STRESS THAT KILLS US,IT IS OUR REACTION TO IT”

                                                         Elbert Hubbard

IDEAS TO CHANGE THE PREVAILING CONDITION OF J AND K By Parvaiz Qadir

IDEAS TO CHANGE THE PREVAILING CONDITION OF J AND K

Some lesser known facts about our state:

·      Leading no. 3^rd state of india in increasing rate of corruption and other such and like activities.

·      State with healthy literacy rate but has also high rate of unemployment.

J & k is a state with large manpower due to large no. Of individuals in the age group of 20-32 years , which means a good growing & developing state.

The above profile presents an illusion & one may get confuse about which side to look at to get the clear picture of the state. One cannot decide the development of the state by just looking the hospitals, colleges , schols being built & other initatives of the government. We should venture deep in every matter ; whether governmental or not & look for every possible merit as well as demerit in the functioning of the government. We have to check that as if government is only looking for its vested ends or it really is taking care of so called democratic state. We have to be keen in such matters. If we cast vote: our needs might be fullfilled by the concerned authorities of the ruling govt.

As we all know that if we want to see a change in any system , we have to be optimistic about that change & we have to stand in such mob which would support the cause for change. It is not single mans’ cup of tea to change the whole prevailing system but a person can be a key component in changing the system by acting & working in collabration with the lads of his simillar pinch.

according to my views and little vision over the whole state : i will mention few changes in our state architecture which i at my personal level wish to be in the menu of people controlling & running the state.

·      Politics and political terrorism should not be performed on the same ground. Politics should be played within the norms of democracy & executed according to the laws set by constitution.

·      Communication has vital role in our lives , so detaching the people from the rest of the world by communication gaging is the abstract oppression on the people by the government. So these media gags and internet gags should not be there.

·      As mentioned in earlier article “problems faced by students in kashmir  ” ; our education system facilitates theoritical work over practical one. This prevailing methodology is mere a literature revising practice done by our educationalists & nothing more than that. So i think there is a need for refaming & reforming  our education system.

Unemployment is the major issue in our state. The burden of unemployment is increasing with passing years. Lack of industrial sector and It sector has furnished the unemployment to  a huge scale. Another possible reason according to me is doing things without knowing them. A mob of engineering graduates and other graduates return to the state every year. Our govt is not capable to handle such manpower due to lack of resources and it becomes impossible for the govt to adjust this mob. So developing  scientfic temper is the need of an hour. Our youths should develop scientfic temper in them. We have to pave our own paths to success. Our vision should not be confined to engineering and medical practice only. We have to increase the horizon of our vision & venture out for more exciting thing & more oppurtunities waiting for being picked by us.

-—so lets come together & start changing ourselves & give a better future to this sorrow bound state oftenly called as heaven on earth & crop our good ideas to give the blooming and prosporus future to this state……………….

 

 

NEW TRENDS IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING By Mehvish Manzoor

NEW TRENDS IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

The Electrical Engineering sector has been growing at a rapid pace with human friendly innovations, inventions and technology trends. Electrical engineering branch is the mother branch for all modern development. It is a very interesting engineering domain. It is the mother branch to many other branches such as Electronics and instrumentation, communication, etc. It is the only engineering domain which has applications in both heavy and light engineering fields in today’s generation.

Electrical engineers are at the forefront of some of today’s most important innovations whether working for the private sector, government sectors or major research institutes electrical engineers are always pushing the boundaries of the possible. Recently they have contributed to huge strides in energy efficiency, mobile technology, accessibility, transportation, telecommunication and much more.

THE NEW TRENDS IN THIS FIELD ARE:

Industrial automation used for production process and control in manufacturing and packaging industries, automotive electronics, etc. The other recent trends are biomedical instrumentation which deals with the modern medical apparatus and instruments used in hospitals. Due to high speed trains, it is becoming a very important branch in railway sectors where three phase AC traction is dominating gradually.

SOME NEW IDEAS IN THIS FIELD ARE:

1.HIGH EFFICENY PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS:

One of the enduring challenges of modern electrical engineering is to find an implementation of photovoltaic technology that is efficient, effective under varying operating conditions and highly resistant to damage while not being cost- prohibitive. Different engineering approaches have been used to raise collection and distribution efficiency, though perovskite based cells have recently captured the most attention at major research facilities.

 

2.GREEN ENERGY ELECTRICAL POWER CONVERTER:

A new power converter developed in the department of electrical engineering at the university of Arkanes will now make it easier for users of renewable energy to shunt excess energy into the power grid. This has the  potential to make roof top solar initiatives much easier and further incentivize homeowners to pursue efficient technology.

3. GRAPHENE:

As electrical engineers reach the performance constraints caused by the fundamental properties of matter, advances in material science becomes essential. Graphene is perhaps the most important recent innovation. Graphene consists of a single layer of carbon atoms one million times thinner than paper. It is so thin that it is actually considered two dimensional (2D).

4. 40gb-wi-fi:

The maximum speed of internet connectivity, whether wired or wireless, has always been defined by foundational challenges in electrical engineering-semiconductor size and composition, for example. Each advance in speed represents a fundamental shift in engineering processes, whether from applying novel materials new transmission media, or other technology.

Electrical engineering is one of the interesting and amazing branch which deals with the technology of electricity. Some of the most prominent pioneers in electrical engineering include THOMAS EDISON (electric light bulb), GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE (alternating current), NIKOLA TESLA (induction motor) and GUGLIELMO MACRONI (radio).

The newly ideas and trends in this field not only revolutionized the world but also makes our life comfortable, easier and faster.

ART WITHOUT ENGINEERING IS DREAMING.ENGINEERING WITHOUT ART IS CALCULATING 

“Steven Roberts”

DISASTER MANAGEMENT By Mehvish Manzoor

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The united nations defines a disaster as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society. Disasters involve widespread human, material, economic or environmental impacts, which exceed the ability or the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.The red cross and red crescent societies define disaster management as the organisation and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies , in particular preparedness , response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters.

TYPES OF DISASTERS

There is no country that is immune from disaster , thought vulnerability to disaster varies. There are four main types of disaster

·        Natural disasters: including  floods , hurricanes , earth quakes and volcano eruptions that have immediate impacts on human health and secondary impacts causing further death and suffering from (for example) floods , landslides , fires , tsunamis.

·        Environmental emergencies:  including technological or industrial accidents, usually involving the production, use or transportation of hazardous  material, and occur where these materials are produced, used or transported, and forest fires caused by humans.

·        Complex emergencies: involving a break-down of authority, looting and attacks on strategic installations, including conflict situations and war.

·        Pandemic emergencies: involving a sudden onset of contagious disease that affects health, disrupts services and businesses, brings economic and social costs.

·        Any disaster can interrupt essential services, health care, electricity, water sewage/garbage removal, transportation and communications. The interruption can seriously affect the health, social and economic networks of local communities and countries. Disasters have a major and long-lasting impact on people long after the immediate effect has been mitigated. Poorly planned relief activities can have a significant negative impact not only on the disaster victims but also on donors and relief agencies. So it is important that physical therapists join established programmes rather than attempting individual efforts.

·        Local, regional, national and international organisations are all involved in mounting a humanitarian response to disasters. Each will have a prepared disaster management plan. These plans cover prevention, preparedness, relief and recovery.

DISASTER PREVENTION

·        These are activities designed to provide permanent protection from disasters. Not all disasters, particularly natural disasters, can be prevented, but the risk of loss of life and injury can be mitigated with good evacuation plans, environmental planning and design standards. In January 2005, 168 governments adopted a 10-year global plan for natural disaster risk reduction called the hyogo framework. It offers guiding principles, priorities for action, and practical means for achieving disaster resilience for vulnerable communities.

DISASTER PREPARDENESS 

·        These activities are designed to minimise loss of life and damage-for example by removing people and property from a threatened location and by facilitating timely and effective rescue, relief and rehabilitation. Preparedness is the main way of reducing the impact of disaster. Community-based preparedness and management should be a high priority in physical therapy practice management.

DISASTER RELIEF

·        This is a coordinated multi-agency response to reduce the impact of a disaster and its long-term results. Relief activities include rescue, relocation, providing food and water, preventing diseases and disability, repairing vital services such as telecommunication and transport, providing temporary shelter and emergency health care.

DISASTER RECOVERY

Once emergency needs have been met and the initial crises is over, the people affected and the communities that supports them are still vulnerable. Recovery activities include rebuilding infrastructure, health care and rehabilitation. These should blend with development activities, such as building human resources for health and developing policies and practices to avoid similar situations in future.

Disaster management is linked with sustainable development, particularly in relation to vulnerable people such as those with disabilities, elderly people, children and other marginalised groups. Health volunteers overseas publications address some of the common misunderstandings about disaster management.

SHEIKH-UL-ALAM HAZRAT-NOOR-UDDIN WALI By Aksa Mushtaq

SHEIKH-UL-ALAM HAZRAT-NOOR-UDDIN WALI

Sheikh Noor-ud- din Wali, also known as NUND Rishi , was a famous Kashmiri saint who belonged to the Rishi order. He was born in 1377 CE, corresponding to 779 Hijri and he died at the age of 63 years in the year of 1440 CE or 842 Hijri .

Place of Birth

People generally believe that he was born at KEMOH  KULGAM but his poetic works do not corroborate it and assert that his place of birth was KHI-JOGIPURA in the kulgam tehsil . From both sides (Mother and Father) he came down from the royal family of KISHTWAR which descended from Mahraja Vikramajit .Sheikh – ul-Alam himself , mentions his lineage in his verse:

“My father and Mother belong to the SANZ FAMILY . Ogra sanz and his son Durpita sanz were my ancestors .His son Zanga sanz who was killed in a battle succeeded Durpita sanz .He left behind a son: HAMBAR SANZ .the later had two sons : SALAR and SALU . I  AM THE SON OF SALAR SANZ”. Some hold that Sheikh- ul-Alma’s father Salar Sanz paid allegiance to YASMIN RISHI ,embraced ISLAM ,and assumed the name SHEIKH SALAR but the Sheikh contradicts the tradition in his  verses . His father’s spiritual guide and teacher were SYED HUSAIN SAMNANI . Sheikh-ul-Alma’s mother was’ SIDRAH’ who was en-trusted to be brought up by the village CHOWKIDAR according to the custom .Her parents died in the meantime and the Chowkidar married her away to a young man of the village who died in a short while . After this on the advice of YASMIN RISHI or SYED HUSAIN SAMNANI She was remarried to the neo-Muslim , SHEIKH SALAR UDDIN.

His Early Life

Symptoms at the time of his birth : Averse to taking milk for the first three days ,the first feed of milk on Lalla Arifa’s breasts and reforming his step brothers . Drawing copiously from Syed Husain Samnani and Mir Muhammad Hamdani ,great and perfect saints of his time indicated that he would attain the lofty Sainthood in future.

Sheikh-ul-Alam and Rishiyat

Reshi is a person who immerses himself into the Divine Self . prior to the advent of Islam in Kashmir the rishis enjoyed great influence on the life of the people . The early preachers of Islam followed the conduct and manners of the Yogis and Rishis in the propagation of the religion .The reason being that inspite of their embracing Islam ,they still followed ways and practices of their former times and the lay men wished to see the holy –men in the models of Rishis. The preachers who came from outside , were the Syed’s and nearer to the rulers whereas the Muslim rishis were natives of Kashmir . The collisions resulted in the progress of the Rishiyat or in order to propagate Islam they had to rely on the Rishiyat extensively. With him the Rishiyat transformed into a movement and he looked for such captains as to spread Islam in Kashmir .He contacted all men of intelligence ,power , and character and impressed them with his spiritual powers ,revelations , miracles and discussions and won them over for the mission. His folloers came to be known as Rishis . BABA BAM UDDIN ,BABA ZAM UDDIN ,BABA NASIR UDDIN and BABA PAYAM UDDIN were the rishis of the RISHIYAT MOVEMENT .He not only limited it to the men only but extended it to women also . This included SHINGA BIBI , SHYAN BIBI , BAHET BIBI , DIH BIBI , DATTA BIBI and  SALAR BIBI ,both younger and elder ones . Spiritual heirs of the Sheikh-ul-Islam of the Rishiyat movement to mention a few, were : SANGRAMA GUNAI , SANGRAMA VED , BABA-QUTAB-UDDIN , BABA-QAYAM-UDDIN ,  MAULANA-MANK-NAYAK, SOZAN RISHI , KHATI RISHI, LACHCHAM RISHI I , MACHCHI RISHI II , ROYA RISHI , SIDRAH RISHI , BAB-YAZD-RISHI , BABA-GULAB-RISHI,  SIDH-SHER-KANTH , BABA-BADAR-UDDIN , BABA-SADR-UDDIN , and RISHI .

Propagation of Islam

In the manner of the Rishis of Kashmir , he propagated Islam , spoke to the people in the Kashmiri language as against the Persian , the foregin preachers spoke to and for the reason their reach was limited . Besides , he employed verse as an effective instrument , which popularized Islam among the common people , and the Rishiyat emerged as people’s movement .

Travels

He severely practiced meditation in a cave for twelve years and lived on vegetation from the woods; spent sometimes on travels , and then went to live in isolation at VICHARNAAG .Later , he travelled about Kashmir , reached VARGAM , and lastly came to  CHARE SHARIF to spend the remaining period of his life . Here he met Mir Muhammad Hamdani , and after some discussion received the letter of guidance from him.

The poetry

He was a great poet and had a flair for prosody , used similes , metaphors , hyperbolas and other forms of expression , rich and effective with aplomb . To express Islamic philosophy and ideals through poetic forms is an art effectively practiced by poets like Sheikh Sa ‘ adi and Iqbal only . Sheikh-ul-Alam stands equal to them in it . Muhammad Asad Ullah wani regards it the holy QURAN in the Kashmiri language similar to Maulana Jalal Uddin’s Roomi’s masnavi , the Quran in Persian.

 His personality

Sheikh-ul-Alam left a deep effect on the people from his speeches and actions and indirectly moved the other mystic-saints not belonging to the Rishiyat order . The cultural and social life of Kashmir bears his imprint . He was the precursor of the mystic poets of Kashmir who drew heavily from him . His couplets are very popular with the people even today .

Books

Rishi-Nama and Noor-Nama are collections of his teachings and anecdotes .

Death

The year of his death similar to the year of birth is a matter of dispute with the chroniclers and biographers . It varies from 808 Hijri to 820 Hijri to 825 Hijri and 842 Hijri but the year 842 Hijri(1438 AD) is probable . His tomb stands at CHARE-SHARIF in the district of Budgam in Kashmir and draws large crowds . 

HOW TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN KASHMIR By Mohsin Niyaz

HOW TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN KASHMIR

I.INTRODUCTION

Tourism is a great source of earning for the Indian economy. In fact, tourism is a basic and most desirable human activity deserving encouragement of people and government. Although Tourism industry does not require huge investment and sophisticated technology but it provides benefit to millions. Its main component is pilgrimage tourism which is one of the largest and most flourishing industries. It has great potential to improve understanding between different religions. Tourism is the oldest and the largest industry in the J &K State.

Tourism industry is the largest industry in the world and the biggest contribution to global economic development. It is the world’s faster growing industry. At present more than one-third population of the world is directly or indirectly associated with the tourism industry. Tourism has become one of the most important phenomenon of man’s spatial behavior in the modern times. Tourism is an effective means of earning foreign exchange and providing tremendous employment opportunities beside, guiding modernization of infrastructure and acting as a catalyst in the growth of all sectors of economy. In simple words, tourism means transfer of wealth from one country to other.

“Tourism as a socio-cultural and economic phenomenon is one of the most important forms of interaction between peoples from different parts of the world”.

Tourism is responsible for creating the awareness of the value of their cultural heritage and environment among the local people. Some countries have no possibility of economic development but a significant level of inter-national tourism should be regarded an essential.

Tourism plays as important role in developing the backward economies every increase in tourist’s activity means increment in the development chances. Jammu And Kashmir State is a hilly and economically backward part of the country, carrying all inherent characteristics of an underdeveloped economy. It occupies an apex seat in the beautiful tourist resorts of the world. Tourism is not a new activity for Jammu and Kashmir. It is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir state economy. Tourist arrival in the backward hilly region of Indian union that is Jammu and Kashmir have increased manifold during the last decades. It has shown it’s all round development and state is hopeful to welcome a sizeable number of tourists in the coming years. Jammu and Kashmir is a state that is considered a holy place by people of all the religions and gets the maximum share of tourism from pilgrimage tourism. Jammu and Kashmir also known as a land of full of scared shrines of all religions in home to the most worshiped places like Amarnath cave, Vaishno Devi, Baba Buda shah etc. that are frequently visited for their architecture and sanctity.

      

Draft Tourism Policy

Vision :

“To make Tourism one of the principle engine of Economic development in the State by positioning it as a leading global destination by the year 2025, contribute to economic and social well-being of the people of Jammu & Kashmir by providing employment opportunities, inclusive development and promotional policies with an aim to achieve internationally competitive tourism sector focused on sustainable growth”

Mission :

“To develop Jammu & Kashmir as a dynamic, sustainable and most-favoured tourist destination - offering high quality experience to Tourists by providing congenial development framework for facilitating and accelerating investments and improving livelihood opportunities at the local level and To devise strategies for increasing arrival of domestic and international tourists

Objectives:

•  To develop potential new and emerging markets through targeted marketing strategies based on tourist profile.

•  To harness the opportunities available in the sectors like Adventure, Caravan Tourism, Heliport Tourism, Handicrafts, Pilgrimage, MICE, Heritage, Eco-Tourism and Golf etc.

•  Development of human resources for tourism sector and capacity building of the tourism stakeholders.

•  Diversification of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism products.

•  Showcasing Brand Jammu and Kashmir.

•  To standardize the establishment of tourism products and services by eco-friendly infrastructure.

•  To promote sustainable tourism and encourage the conservation and preservation of unique natural and cultural heritage of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

•  To ensure ‘total quality’ services to tourists by introduction of modern technologies and information dissemination for tourist products and services.

•  To enhance the economic prosperity of the State.

•  To encourage a strong and sustainable participation by private Sector in creation of tourism infrastructure especially through public private partnership (PPP).

•  Reinforcing and promoting Jammu and Kashmir as a safe and friendly destination.

•  Promote effective inter-departmental coordination to streamline processes and increase sector performance in areas like Horticulture, Agriculture and Sericulture.

•  To encourage Tourism Research and development in regional universities of the state.

Methodology:

•  Circuit tourism

•  Season based tourism

•  Development of Tourism infrastructure

•  Development/promotion of off-beat destinations

•  Improved accessibility to the tourist destinations

•  Diversification/ Innovation in Tourism products

•  Marketing and promotional tools

•  Human Resources Development & Capacity Enhancement

•  Inter- linkage among various departments

•  Sustainable tourism and carrying capacity

•  Public private partnership

•  Research and survey wing

•  Incentives and taxes

•  Safety/security and disaster/ crisis management

•  Targets and timelines

Methodology details

Circuit tourism:

Circuit Tourism Circuits covering themes like Religious, Heritage, etc. would be identified so that the tourist gets a wholesome exposure to the theme. The concept of development of circuits will help in the promotion of pilgrimage tourism in the state. Based on the religious diversity of the state the circuit would be;

•  Sufi circuit.

•  Buddhist Circuit.

•  Shiva circuit.

Infrastructure would include site development, internal roads, water supply, sewage, drainage, street lighting, landscaping, power distribution, sewage treatment plant, solid waste management facility, etc.

^Ø         Season based tourism:

The Department of Tourism will contemplate to harness the distinct seasons; summer, autumn, winter, spring. The activities and priorities will be oriented in a way to create distinct attractions for four distinct seasons. The flowering in spring, pleasant weather & greenery of summer, leaf fall of autumn and snow cover in winter will be promoted, keeping in view the activities peculiar to the respective seasons.

Development of Tourism infrastructure:

The ultimate success of Tourism Policy of Jammu and Kashmir rests on creation of adequate and suitable infrastructure like accommodation, transport, communication links and other essential amenities. It is therefore necessary to critically analyze facilities like roads/rail network, airports and their linkage with tourist destinations. The rapid increase in tourist inflow in the State has thrown up the challenge of an immediate requirement for standard and competitive accommodation facilities. The hotel accommodation in J&K is inadequate and there is need to increase the number of average beds per thousand by building budget hotels at new tourist destinations and tourist circuits at places other than Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Pahalgam and the cities of Srinagar/ Jammu so as to shift the pressure of tourists to other destinations and to build ‘star category’ hotels at all the important tourist destinations in order to provide quality services to the international and national tourists.

-> The Department will focus on development of rural tourist villages. Rural Tourism has been advocated to showcase the rural life, art, culture and heritage at rural locations, to benefit the local community, economically and socially. Though 50 rural tourism projects in Jammu and Kashmir have been implemented but more villages need to be covered. Already identified and developed villages need to be developed further. Villages having unique craft and art will be promoted as rural tourist villages. Focus will be on home stay facilities for tourists.

-> Up gradation of services through renovation and restoration of hotels to enable them to match the international standards in the hospitality sector. Guidelines laid down by MOT, Government of India for hospitality to be followed for the construction of Tourist units.

-> Promote total quality service including site development, internal roads, internet facilities, water supply, road-side public conveniences, sewerage, drainage, street lighting, landscaping, electricity, sewerage treatment plant by reengineering of the existing units.

-> The State Government will make special efforts to attract famous lakes of the state as important tourist destinations as a part of Eco-tourism. Steps will be taken to maintain and enhance their beauty by undertaking development in an integrated manner. Focus would be mainly on Dal Lake, Wulur Lake, Anchar Lake, Mansar / Surinsar, Sanasar and Manasbal Lake in close collaboration and consultation with Forest and Environment Department.

-> The department needs to regulate houseboat operations in Dal as per its carrying capacity and disperse it to Wular and Anchar. The department would introduce special incentives for starting houseboat operations in areas other than Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake.

-> Department, in association with Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) will take stringent measures to see that all the houseboats will have scientific solid and liquid waste management system.

-> Plastic waste continues to be a major concern for the local population and the visitors. Department will enforce ban in close coordination with sister agencies on the use of disposable plastics at major destinations such as Dal Lake, wular lake, Anchar lake, Nigeen lake, all Mughal gardens. Gulmarg.

-> Department will support environment friendly initiatives such as production of paper bags and converting plastic and other wastes into resources, through various means of private financing.

^Ø         Development/promotion of off-beat destinations:

The off-beat destinations in state like Gurez, BaniBasohli, Lolab-Bungus, Kokernag-Simthan top, Verinag ,Doda, Bhadewah, Aharbal, Poonch-Rajouri, Margan hills in Kishtwar, Zanskar etc which are being developed through area specific Tourism Development Authorities will be further developed and promoted so that the tourist footfall is equitably distributed.

An incentive scheme would be formulated in collaboration with hoteliers and transporters so that visiting tourists are encouraged to prolong their stay in J&K and visit off-beat destinations.

^Ø         Improved accessibility to the prominent destinations:

improved road connectivity to tourist destinations will be the priority by roping in concerned Government agencies/ departments in facilitating these development related activities.

-> Roads &Buildings Department will be requested to specify a particular sum of annual Plan for Tourism sector

every year and seek concurrence of Tourism department to spend it on the road projects identified and by the every year and seek concurrence of Tourism department to spend it on the road projects identified and prioritized by the Tourism department.

-> Road signage generally does not exist at most of the places. This issue will be taken up on priority by all concerned because self-driven vehicles will become popular in the coming years. National standards to be followed in the preparation of the road signals.

-> Road signage generally does not exist at most of the places. This issue will be taken up on priority by all concerned because self-driven vehicles will become popular in the coming years. National standards to be followed in the preparation of the road signals.

^Ø          Diversification/ Innovation in Tourism products:

For the diversification of tourism products, development of various niche tourism products have to be followed more strongly by identifying niche products in which Jammu and Kashmir state has enormous potential and distinction.

Emphasis will be on the products like; Adventure, Wellness, Golf , Polo, Meetings Incentives Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) , Trekking, Pilgrimage, Film Tourism, Ecotourism, Wild life tourism, Caravan Tourism, Heliport tourism, Rural tourism, Culture/ heritage tourism, Herbal Tourism etc.

-> World-class exhibition and convention complexes through appropriate PPP framework will be promoted in major cities and tourist destinations in the state.

-> Theme and Entertainment parks will be promoted at major tourist destinations.

-> Efforts will be made to rope in State Archives department and Cultural academy to have Cultural Depiction Centers at Jammu/Srinagar/Leh where artifacts, manuscripts etc can be displayed.

-> To increase length of stay of visitors, development of tourist villages near existing attractions will be encouraged. -> Eco Tourism will be promoted as a core tourism activity in close collaboration with the Forest Department. The ecotourism zones will be identified and a chain of nature camps will be encouraged and promoted as Jungle Trails in the zone.

-> The Government will promote adventure tourism activities in Jammu and Kashmir, under three heads – Aero Adventure, Aqua Adventure and Land Adventure by collaborating with national and international adventure tourism activity operators.

-> The State Government will make special efforts to make lakes as important tourist destinations. Steps will be taken to maintain and enhance their beauty by undertaking development in an integrated manner.

-> Facilities for water sports will be developed to international standards and events involving national and international participation will also be organized to popularize these destinations.

-> Bird watching and angling competition will be organized for promotion of the wetlands of the state.

-> The Government will encourage tourism activities along the border areas of the state. Access infrastructure to these destinations shall be developed by collaborating with other state agencies/ departments, to enable a smooth and comfortable commute.

-> The abundant water resources and unique waterways of the state will be harnessed to provide a unique experience of adventure and leisure tourism.

-> The Department of Tourism shall announce annual awards under various categories. The providers of quality service to the tourists and maintainers of sustainability of the environment will be considered for awards.

-  > To improve the maintenance of existing tourist destinations, adoption/ management/ sponsorship programs will be

promoted to create ownership between locals and corporate for monuments, religious sites/destination

^Ø        Marketing/promotional tools:

-> Focus would be on developing new markets like Middle East, Europe and central Asia on the basis of proper market research.

-> Participation and organizing road shows in major source markets as well as in some of the upcoming markets.

-> Promotional campaign will be launched in the key markets under the theme “Explore Paradise”. With a view to taking the “Explore Paradise” Campaigns forward, different Brainstorming sessions and meetings with media, creative agencies, media representatives and stakeholders in the tourism industry would be involved to get their inputs and suggestions on making the “Explore Paradise” campaigns more impactful and effective.

-> Certain important fairs and festivals under the name ‘Festivals in heaven’ will be organized aiming at a high footfall of international and domestic tourists. This would help enhancing the tourist visits to the State.

-> The local universities will be approached for promotion through interaction of their students with the students of other national/international institutions.

-> Publicity will be carried out by way of ‘FAM (familiarization)’ trips of media persons, TV teams, film makers, trade representatives, provide brochures/media support, distribution of literature, posters, calendars, newsletter, electronic, print and digital.

-> Campaigns and publicity in malls, airports, and other strategic places.

-> National & international travel associations will be encouraged to have trips to Kashmir.

-> Improved Budgetary support would be ensured in the State budget of the Tourism Department for marketing and    promotion with a 10% increase in the budget allocation every year during the span of this policy. -> Information Technology will be used for the purpose of tourism promotion. The websites of Tourism Department and its various arms will be made interactive and user friendly.

        -> Mobile applications and social networking site like Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, etc. shall be used     for quick and cost effective tourism marketing.

^Ø        Human Resources Development & Capacity Enhancement:

-> Candidates with tourism related degrees like Masters in tourism administration/management, masters in hospitality, masters in Hotel management, masters in tour and travel will be preferably considered for direct recruitment in the departmental services.

-> Existing staff of Tourism department will be trained for specified jobs in the Department through FCI/IHMs. -> Education and enhancement of competencies for local communities living in the surroundings of a tourism

cluster will be encouraged, as a tool to catalyze economic opportunities from tourism activities.

-> Local universities and professional colleges will be encouraged to have courses on tourism studies and

language courses    in collaboration with national and international institutes of Tourism studies.

-> One Government aided and sponsored vocational training centre on the pattern of FCI/IHM in each major city in J&K with special emphasis on training for Tourist Guides and support staff in housekeeping, front office, reception, etc. across all tourist destinations will be introduced

^Ø        Inter- linkage among various Departments and other institutional framework:

The Department of Tourism has overall responsibility of promoting and exploring all the available resources of the state for attracting and retaining the tourists. Besides this, the safety and security of the tourists visiting the state is the top priority of the department. Therefore the active functional links with other departments are essential to achieve the set goals and objectives of the organization.

-> Interactions and Convergence among various departments (R&B, Local bodies, Industries, Rural Development, Police, Health, LAWDA, Transport, Forests, Agriculture and Wildlife etc) needs to be streamlined to synergize their programs so that the impact of investment on tourist destinations is maximized.

-> A Tourism Coordination Committee will be set up under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of the state comprising Administrative Secretaries of relevant departments to resolve such matters that may require interdepartmental coordination

-> The committee will also advise on general policies and planning of tourism-related matters including infrastructure development, promotion, monitoring, maintenance and growth of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in J&K.

-> A tourist office in each district of the State will be set up where all necessary tourist information of the concerned District can be displayed and made available.

^Ø        Sustainable Tourism and Carrying Capacity:

Adoption of solid waste management, hygiene and sanitation standards needs to be introduced at all the destination to cater the increasing pressure of tourists.

-> Achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process and it requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and corrective measures whenever necessary.

-> To involve schools, NGOs, industry associations, etc. in carrying out major cleanliness drives at important tourist destinations, department of tourism should provide suitable incentives as well as rewards for all the organizations and individuals involved in this important initiative.

-> The annual number of tourists needs to be regulated according to the carrying capacity of tourist destinations and other eco-sensitive zones after proper assessment of the carrying capacity of each region.

-> Most of the pilgrim sites are located in sensitive eco-zones. Building and expansion activities in these should be controlled under the relevant acts, like the Forest Conservation Act and the Environment Protection Act

^Ø        Public- Private Partnership for development of Tourism infrastructure:

-> PPP mode will be prioritized to attract investment in the tourism sector in order to upgrade infrastructure facilities and developing new destinations like Tosa-maidan, Yusmarg, Lolab-Bungus and many more which will create employment opportunities.

-> The Department would also take steps for privatization of the existing assets of Tourism department in a time-bound manner.

-> The PPP mode will include pilot projects like Events Sponsorship, Development of Hotels, Resorts and Theme Parks, Leasing-out of Existing tourism facilities, cable car, solid waste management etc.

-> Emphasis would be on large revenue generating projects to attract private investors.

^Ø        Research and Survey wing:

-> To create proper awareness about the importance of tourism sector in the economic development of the State, job creation, foreign exchange earnings, benefits to different segments of the society, poverty alleviation etc., an accurate and timely release of tourism statistics is necessary. Though tourism contributes significantly in the GDP of the state as well as job creation, data base on different sectors of tourism needs improvement.

-> Separate wing under the name, Research and Survey wing, would be created at the level of Administrative Department to look after the records and research work of the Department.

-> The wing will be headed by Research Officer, not below the rank of Deputy Secretary, supported by team of tourism professional employees.

-> Surveys will be conducted in important source markets of foreign tourists visiting the State to know their preference about the tourism products and destinations.

-> The wing will prepare and issue yearly statistics of tourist inflow, expenditure incurred and earnings realized.

^Ø        Incentives and Taxes:

All the destinations would be classified into three categories based on the development of the destination. “A” -

(developed), “B” - ( developing) and “C” - (underdeveloped).

-> Projects / activities/ units classified as Category C (most backward) will be given priority in incentives. -> New tourism units would be eligible for incentive schemes.

-> The unit availing of the incentives under the scheme shall install, effectively operate and maintain pollution control measures as per the standards prescribed by the competent authority in this regard. The unit will remain in commercial operation continuously for at least five years after it has been commissioned. However, in cases the operation is discontinued due to reasons beyond the control of the unit, the Tourism department may examine individual cases and condone the period of discontinuation based on the guidelines to be issued by the Government.

-> In order to provide impetus to locations where tourist footfalls are low, all destinations have been grouped into three groups- "Low " ,"Medium " and "High" based on annual tourist inflow for the year 2012-2014. Destinations which are under developed but falling under the "high" group with high annual tourist inflow will be given the highest incentives.

-> The recognized Tourist Transport Operators would be considered for exemption from Excise Duty and VAT on the purchase of new tourist vehicles.

-> For modernizing existing tourism/hospitality infrastructure entry tax exemption would be desirable.

-> For popularizing off-beat destinations, collaborative incentive schemes would be launched by the Tourism Department.

-> Any increase in tax rates should be made applicable after a reasonable time- frame so that the bookings already made are not affected.

-> Tourism sector has been given status of Industry but few the benefits available to industry has been extended to this sector. Department would take concrete steps for ensuring same incentives to be made available to the tourism sector as that of the industry sector.

-> DoT shall also provide the selected personnel appropriate training required for providing services to tourists. -> The local residents along with the state officials need to be sensitized regarding the measures to be taken when faced by a crisis, such as landslides, floods, earthquakes etc, so in case of such emergencies they can take necessary action.

-> State of Jammu and Kashmir falls in the Seismic zone-5. Therefore the Infrastructure made needs to be resistant.

The Engineering wing of the Department will be directed to take all necessary measures accordingly.

^Ø        Targets & Timelines Short Term (1-3 Years):

-> Jammu and Kashmir is a preferred tourism destination at national and international levels. Extensive marketing of tourism products through web, road shows, electronic and print media will be undertaken.

^Ø        Safety/ Security and Disaster/ Crisis management:

Department of Tourism (DoT) envisages ensuring safe tourism through provision of dedicated police personnel at

-> Disaster management is an important aspect for any tourism destination (especially in the face of a crisis). The specific contingencies such as epidemic and15 natural disasters have devastating impacts on any community, region, state or nation.

-> DoT shall organize training and sensitization programs for policemen posted at key tourism destinations in association with the Department of Home for ensuring that policemen empathize with genuine complaints and grievances of tourists.

-> In order to ensure safety of women, minors, elderly and specially abled in any form, DoT, in conjunction with the local police and district administration, shall take proactive steps to prevent such abuses.

major tourist destinations, life-guards at lakes in coordination with local people and NGOs.

-> Code of Conduct for safely & security of the tourists needs to be adopted by tourism Department and tourism stakeholders.

-> Three year Event Calendar will be developed which would be synchronized with other themes and Business Events to attract tourists and extend duration of stay of visitors.

-> Feasibility studies for establishing demand for various tourism facilities, such as rural tourism, MICE Tourism, Adventure tourism etc will be undertaken.

-> Tie-ups with training institutes and capacity building programs for creating skilled human resource for the sector will be undertaken.

-> Develop weekend tourism products across the state and tourism activities in and around Kashmir valley. -> Identify culture and heritage assets and prepare a plan for protection and management of the same.

-> Suitable modification of BOCA rules of J&K Development Act as the tourism destinations building permissions needs to clear architectural plan as well as building facad plan so that buildings at these destinations follow a particular pattern and look.

-> Positioning two ‘Tourism Town planners’ one at Srinagar and other at Jammu for preparation and development of Master Plans of all tourist destinations especially headquarters of Tourism Development Authorities in a faster and time bound manner.

-> Develop interpretation materials for promotion of tourism in both digital and print medium. -> Tourism research and Survey wing to be created.

Medium Term (3-5 Years)

-> Designing of tour packages based on specific themes, preferably those that involve the geographical boundary and heritage of more than one State, will be undertake.

-> Development of new destinations on wellness, tribal tourism, theme park tourism, Golf tourism unexplored areas, sports etc. will be undertaken.

-> New concepts for heliport tourism and caravan tourism will be promoted.

-> Incentives and technical assistance will be provided to SMEs in the tourism sector, notably unemployed Professional youths and local artisans producing high quality local handicrafts.

Long Term (5 - 10 Years)

-> Assess brand value by focusing on research and surveys.

-> Initiate and development of large revenue generating projects and pilot projects like caravan tourism, cable car projects, ropeways, sericulture, apiculture etc.

-> Efforts will be made to prepare Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) as envisaged by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.