The meeting accords approval to three new tourism zones in KP
PESHAWAR
Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed the concerned authorities to ensure smooth implementation of projects related to Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZ) development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that tourism industry development was one of the key priorities of the incumbent government.
He expressed these remarks while presiding over an important meeting KP Public Private Partnership Committee.
The meeting approved the implementation of three ITZs projects, including ITZ Ganool, ITZ Mankiyal and ITZ Madaklasht, which would be developed at a cumulative cost of Rs 12.2 billion.
The committee formally approved the tendering of ITZ Ganool which will be followed by the floating of tenders for ITZ Mankiyal and ITZ Madaklasht.
According to an official handout, CM Mahmood Khan directed the relevant authorities to ensure implementation of aforesaid ITZs projects as per the stipulated timelines.
“It is the priority of his government to develop tourism industry by improving the existing tourism infrastructure and exploiting the new tourist sites in the province,” he added and said that Integrated Tourism Zones not only will provide world class lodging, restaurants, winter sports and other recreational activities but would also promote various elements of local culture and natural beauties of our scenic sites.
Mahmood Khan stated that the provincial government has undertaken multiple steps to catalyze the development of sustainable tourism thereby ensuring socio economic growth of the province.
KP-CM maintained that the PTI provincial government was working under a realistic strategy to benefit from the tourism potential in the province and make it the base of economic development and self-sustainability.
Mr Khan added that the Culture & Tourism Authority (CTA) will have a leading role in materializing the vision of the provincial government.
Briefing the committee about current status of ITZs projects, it was informed that ITZ Ganool, covering an area of 60 acres, would be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 5.5 billion having nearby attractions like Saiful Maluk lake, Dudi Patsar lake, Pyala lake, Shogran, Siri Pai and Kaghan valley.
Similarly, 30 acres ITZ Mankiyal would be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 2.9 billion having nearby attractions like Jabba lake, Jarogo Valley, Waterfall Katora lake and Swat valley. ITZ Madaklasht covering an area of 69.4 acres would be developed at a cost of Rs 3.8 billion which would have nearby attractions like Chitral goal, National Park, Kalash valley and Shandur Pass. It was informed that section-IV has been imposed on the proposed sites for each ITZ project whereas land assessment is also in progress. Besides, 11 KV transmission line is available in the near vicinity of each ITZ and a request has already been made to PESCO for survey and provision of demand notice for connectivity from main transmission line to the sites.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister directed the concerned quarters to speed up progress on Swat Motorway Phase-II project adding that unnecessary delay in the implementation of this project would not be tolerated. Provincial Minister for Law Abdul Shakoor Khan, Advisor to CM on Communication & Works Riaz Khan, Chief Secretary Dr Shehzad Bangash, Additional Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, administrative secretaries of concerned departments and other members attended the meeting.
