Wednesday, March 15 2006 15:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: The Centre has identified 50 villages under the Rural Tourism Scheme for developing the sector in Jammu and Kashmir, deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said today (Mar 15 2006).

Under the scheme, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 50 lakh to five villages in the first instance, Baig, who also holds the charge of tourism department, said in reply to a question by Ghulam Nabi Lone (PDP) in the legislative council.

The first five villages to be developed are Drung, Gagangeer, Pahalgam, Surinsar and Jhiri.

Various villages and areas are being developed as tourist destinations under various projects including state plan, rural tourism scheme, circuit development scheme, newly created development authorities and destination development schemes, he said.

The Minister said the criteria for identification of tourists' villages are accessibility, physical features, topographical diversity, natural beauty, cultural and natural attractions, handicraft skills etc.