Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kashmir today and unveiled various projects worth around Rs 6,400 crore, during the Viksit Bharat Viksit Kashmir programme today. Apart from the other nationwide tourism projects such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) schemes, PM Modi also announced his next mission: 'Wed In India.'
According to his mission, PM Modi stated that he wants people to come to Jammu and Kashmir and host their weddings. He also said that the world has now seen how G20 was organised in J&K whereas there was a time when people wondered who would go to J&K for tourism.
"Today, tourism in J&K is breaking all the records. In 2023, more than 2 crore tourists have come here...Now big celebrities from across the world are also coming to J&K," PM Modi added.
Among these projects, PM Modi launched nationwide tourism projects worth Rs 1400 crore including an integrated development project for the Hazratbal shrine.
Speaking on boosting tourism in valley, the PM said, "Today, 6 projects have been dedicated to the country under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Apart from this, the next phase of the 'Swadesh Darshan' scheme has also been launched. Under this also, about 30 projects have been started for Jammu and Kashmir and other places in the country."
PM Modi also kicked off the "Dekho Apna Desh People's Choice Tourist Destination Poll" and a campaign named "Chalo India Global Diaspora." He also announced announcing tourist destinations selected under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme.
During his first speech in the valley since the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi remarked "The feeling of coming to heaven on earth is beyond words."