SRINAGAR: The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting, a first-of-its-kind international event, is being set up in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, while the projects prioritized for the historic event are nearing completion. Srinagar will host the meeting from May 24 to 26, 2023, during India's presidency of the G20.

Jammu and Kashmir will play host to an international event with participation from delegations from G20 member states, guest nations, and various international organizations for the first time since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A.

Prior to the significant international event, Srinagar's south and eastern areas are receiving a fresh makeover, and the majority of the work is already nearing completion. The Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) is covering the whole cost of Srinagar's facelift, which is estimated to cost Rs 44.44 lakh.
CEO of Srinagar Smart City Limited Athar Aamir Khan said that a lot of the works have been prioritized in Srinagar for the scheduled G20 meeting in Srinagar. The majority of the tasks have either been finished or will be finished in a day or two. "We have been successful in completing the projects at the shortest possible time," he said, adding that  the ongoing construction projects in Srinagar would be finished before the G20 meeting takes place there.
On April 11, 2023, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri directed all Officers, Officials and contractors associated with these works to complete them within ten days.

In addition to the cosmetic work being done by the SSCL, the CEO, who is also the Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), said last month that it is our responsibility as a collective, including the citizens, to present the best image of the city to the visiting dignitaries in light of the upcoming G-20 event in Srinagar City.

He said in an appeal to the people that the citizens of the city are requested to contribute towards the success of the event by sprucing up their premises especially the main road starting from IG Road onwards. It is an occasion for enriching the reputation of the city as a famed tourist destination known for scenic beauty, traditional architecture and hospitality of the people

The three-day event will also take place primarily in the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), which is located on the shores of the renowned Dal Lake.
Prior to the important international event, there is a specific emphasis on upgrading the digital infrastructure and renovating the interior and outside. The officials stated that the work, which will cost crores of rupees, has already begun and will be finished in a week or two.

Following the G20 meeting, a three-day Y20 meeting is being held in Leh, in the Union Territory of Ladakh, with the participation of over 100 delegates from more than 30 nations.

Prior to the major event in Srinagar, which is scheduled to take place at the University of Kashmir starting on May 10, a similar Y20 consultation event is being organised.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke at the National Conference on "India@G20" at the Convention Centre today, which was organised by IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu, and AIIMS Jammu in partnership with Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DICCI) to discuss priorities, prospects, and the best course of action for building an inclusive and sustainable society.

"Only under peaceful conditions can the ambitions of humanity be realised. And I firmly believe that "Ahimsa," which is ingrained in our ancient civilization, is causing people all across the world to see the pointlessness of war and the value of conversation.

Green, rapid, inclusive, and sustainable growth are India's main priorities for the G20 presidency, and the LG noted that the world is looking to us for solutions to the challenges of Covid, Climate Change, and Conflict.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided the world a new perspective by stating that fighting climate change must begin at dinner tables in every family rather than only at conference tables. According to Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, this will open the door for sustained and inclusive growth.

G20 accounts for 85% of the world's GDP and 75% of its trade, and it represents 60% of the world's population. He continued, "I am convinced that India's G20 leadership will reinforce the notion of "One Earth, One Family, One Future" and provide new impetus to international relations.