SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has relaxed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime to enable foreigners to visit restricted areas in Leh district of Ladakh, a decision which is expected to increase the footfall of tourists and give considerable boost to the local economy.
With this decision, foreign tourists would now be permitted to visit a number of unexplored areas like Panamik, Phukpochey, Hargam, Taksha, Sasoma, Chaglung, Kobet, Aranu, Khemi, Warshi, including Yarma Gompa/ Yarma Gonbo Monastery of the Nubra Valley in Leh.
An official spokesman said ton Tuesday that the Government has ordered relaxing the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime for allowing foreigners to visit the hitherto restricted areas in district Leh. A formal notification in this regard has been issued by the State’s Home Department on September 27.
The spokesman said after taking note of the positive dividends emanating from the initiative and to further augment the opportunities of employment and income generation for the local youth, the State Government has decided to open up the area for foreign tourists as well.
This decision, a long pending demand of the people of Nubra Valley and Ladakh, is expected to give great boost to the local economy of Nubra Valley. The flow of foreign tourists to new areas from Panamik to Warshi, is expected to substantially enhance earnings of the people and transform their socio-economic profile. (PTI)
