Turning Scenary Lovers into Book Readers

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Kashmir tourist places may soon have library points

Sofi Imtiyaz (Rising Kashmir)

Ganderbal: Valley’s tourist places may soon be equipped with library facilities where domestic and foreign tourists can avail reading and other related facilities. The move follows after the department of libraries and research requested the State’s tourism department for providing of space at various tourist spots.

Few months back, Director Libraries and Research, Kashmir had shot a letter vide no: DL/Adm.Gen/(102)/08/382-83, dated: 18-06-2009 to Deputy Director Tourism for providing the department with space at tourist spots of the valley for opening of the libraries and reading rooms.

In response, Deputy Director Tourism vide communication no: Est/247/1376-81, dated: 03-07-2009 instructed the line staff for identification of space at the tourist spots. “All officers incharge of sub-ordinate Tourist Offices are accordingly informed to provide some space for opening of Libraries and Reading Room Centers,” the letter reads. The letter further states: “You (Director Libraries and Research) are accordingly requested to start opening of Book Points at the said places at an earliest.”

Some of the tourist spots where library points are expected to come up in first phase include Sonamarg, Manasbal, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar, Kokernag, Achabal etc.

Further, Deputy Director Libraries and Research vide letter no: DDLK/Adm-OL/(118)/2001/671-76, dated: 31-07-2009 has conveyed to all district libraries for getting in touch with the officers of the tourist spot concerned in this regard.

“The library points and reading room centers will be equipped with books relating to history, geography, culture, tradition, society of Kashmir valley,” an official from the Library department said.

“It is an effort to attract more tourists so that not only should they enjoy the tourist place but also come to know about the rich culture and history of Kashmir,” said the official.

“We have established a hut at this natural resort and are waiting for the material and books to arrive,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Wullar-Mansabal Development Authority told Rising Kashmir.

The rent of the establishments will be fixed by the Government Rent Assessment Committee of the respective district.

“We are confronted with the problems of the lack of infrastructure, shortage of staff and other concerned things. We need at least one employee at every 14 spots for which we are waiting for the cabinet sanction,” Deputy Director Libraries and Research, Kashmir Bashir Ahmad Khan told Rising Kashmir over phone.