Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha that the development of tourist destinations is primarily the responsibility of States and UT administrations, with the Centre providing financial support through centrally sponsored and central sector schemes.

Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, multiple projects were sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir in 2016–17 as part of the Himalayan Circuit. These include tourism infrastructure development along routes covering Jammu–Srinagar, Pahalgam–Anantnag, Salamabad, Uri, Kargil, and Leh, with an outlay of ₹77.33 crore. Additional projects for developing tourist facilities in Jammu, Rajouri, Shopian, and Pulwama were sanctioned at a cost of ₹81.60 crore. Restoration of tourism assets damaged during the 2014 floods under the PM Development Package was approved for ₹90.43 crore, along with development of facilities at Mantalai and Sudhmahadev at ₹91.99 crore.
Under the PRASHAD scheme, ₹40.46 crore was sanctioned in 2016–17 for development works at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar to improve pilgrimage amenities and visitor facilities.
The Ministry also supported tourism projects under the ACATID scheme, including a ₹5 crore sound-and-light show at Dal Lake, and the manufacture of glass-top coaches for the Qazigund–Baramulla rail route as part of a ₹12 crore multi-state project to enhance tourism-related rail experiences.
These initiatives aim to boost tourism infrastructure, preserve heritage, and improve visitor experiences across Jammu and Kashmir.