LEH: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated the necessity of preserving State's unique bio-environment and natural beauty. He said while promoting tourism and opening new areas for tourist interests this aspect should receive focused attention. Laying stress on balanced growth of tourism for enhancing economic activities and creating job facilities, the Chief Minister said "we should equally concentrate on maintenance, preservation and conservation of the eco-system, culture and heritage of the State under all circumstances". Addressing the concluding function of 15-Day Ladakh Tourism Festival, organized by the State Tourism Department at Leh, the Chief Minister highlighted the need for sustaining environment and eco-balance for generations to come. "While showcasing the rich and varied tourist potential and raising infrastructural facilities, the necessary attention has to be paid on protecting our environment, mountains, rivers, atmosphere and natural beauty from all kinds of pollutions and unnecessary human interference", he said emphasizing on making this aspect as an integral part of Tourism Development Policy. "As the real custodians and responsible generation we have to make sure that the precious treasure of natural beauty and bio-diversity, God has bestowed upon the State, is protected and maintained", he said and asked the people to play their pro-active role in this direction. He told them to work jointly with the Tourism Department and other concerned agencies in ensuring prevention of air, water and environmental pollutions while promoting the tourism. Stating that the beautiful mountains and vast terrains in Ladakh region possess great potential for attracting visitors from all over the world, the Chief Minister said that adventure and sports tourism can be propagated and showcased viably in the area. Announcing an 18-hole Golf Course at the banks of river Sind in Leh, the Chief Minister said that Kashmir and Jammu are already on the map of world golf destinations. The development of full-fledged golf course in Leh would open new avenues of sports tourism in the area. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora highlighted the schemes Tourism Department has initiated in the State especially in Ladakh region for the promotion of tourism. The Minister said that every measure would be taken to safeguard the environment and cultural heritage of the State while promoting the tourism activities. Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Chief Executive Councillor, Rigzin Spalbar, legislators and officers were present on the occasion. Later, the Chief Minister addressed Panchayat members after inaugurating 4-day orientation camp for sarpanches and panches of Leh Assembly constituency. He underscored the role of Panchayats in the process of development and social reforms and said that these institutions would develop as an important tool for socio-economic change in the State. The Chief Minister said the role of Panchayats in achieving the cherished goal of holistic and equitable development of the State in accordance with the aspiration of people is of pivotal importance. He said that Panchayati Raj would not only give considerable fillip to good-governance but help in a big way for empowering base level public representatives to make decisions on the development front, formulate plans, implement works and monitor physical and financial progress of schemes.