Srinagar, May 22: The third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting is beginning today at Sher-e-Kashmir International Conventional complex on the bank of Dal Lake in Srinagar amid unprecedented security set up in place.
The SKICC has been decked like a bride for the G20 delegates where a three day mega event is commencing in a short while.
G20 Chief Coordinator Harshvardhan Shringla on Sunday said the three-day meeting will see the highest participation of foreign delegates as compared to the two previous meetings.
All G20 member countries are not participating in the meeting. At least 60 foreign delegates are attending the meeting.
This G20 meet is the first international event in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, when the erstwhile state’s special status was scrapped and it became a Union Territory.
A three-tier security arrangement is in place in Srinagar city to thwart any militant plans to disrupt the meeting. The venue has been sanitized for the event and elite forces have been keeping an eye on the situation. CCTVs and anti-drone system are keeping aerial surveillance in the entire city
The traffic department has issued advisory and restricted traffic movement along the road leading to SKICC for three days.
The inaugural session will be attended by union ministers and J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha .
Apart from discussions and deliberations, the delegates will visit Mughal Gardens situated on the banks of Dal Lake and will interact with the growers there.
The J&K administration has dropped a tour of delegates to tourist resort of Gulmarg reportedly for security and logistic reasons
They will also visit Government Arts Emporium in Srinagar and interact with artisans and live demonstrations of a variety of motifs, techniques and crafts including carpets, shawls, paper machie, sozni, etc. witness first-hand the effort and skill that goes into creating these unique artifacts.
The delegates will also visit Polo View market and hold interaction with local traders of the first pedestrian and wire free market in Srinagar. Interaction will be held with the local trading community and opportunity to explore Kashmir art, craft and souvenirs.
At TRC Stadium the delegates will have interaction with sports persons and demonstration of Yoga, Wushu, Women’s Rugby Match, Men’s Football Exhibition Match, interaction with Sports Icons and Medal winners.
The delegates will also take a ride on Shikaras – a traditional gondola type light rowing boat to experience the serene waters of the dal lake, while being seated in exquisitely decorated shikaras. They will also interact with Shikara walas.
The other engagements during the visit include visiting Kashmir Haat, a marketing platform to the people associated with handicrafts including artisans and is a one stop destination for the tourist looking for genuine Kashmir art & craft, SPS Museum Lalmandi to have a look of approximately 79,595 artifacts and objects covering various subjects like Archaeology, Numismatics, Decorative Art, Arms and Armory, Paintings, Textiles etc are housed in the Museum.
A Craft Bazaar has been set up in the back lawns of SKICC having stalls showcasing the art and craft of Jammu & Kashmir. There will be live demonstrations by master Artisans of various crafts -Pashmina, Sozni, Walnut, Copper, Willow and Basoli painting etc.
Interactions with individuals who have demonstrated the power of creativity and determination in making a difference in the world, including: Prominent Individuals referred in PM’s Mann ki Baat, Tariq Ahmad Patlu, COVID Floating Ambulance, Lotus Stem FPO and Manzoor Ahmad, Pencil Slate Manufacturer.
