Srinagar, Oct 22 (IANS): Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday visited the Tosha Maidan firing range in Badgam district which has been cleared of all explosive materials by the army.

He said the area could now be developed as a tourist resort.

He said the focus would now be on developing tourism related activities to generate employment, trade and business in the area.

Under Mission Falah, the Army has completed clearing explosives from the 69 sq. km firing range in Tosha Maidan.

The army Wednesday morning briefed the chief minister about its medical and veterinary camps at Drang, Sutaharan, Khag, Hamchipora, Tosha Maidan and Chiuyadara villages around the firing range.

He was told that more than 3,000 patients were given medical treatment in the camps besides treating about 9,000 animals.

The army said it has sent the boy, Master Fayaz Parrey, who was injured accidentally by an unexploded shell in the area, to the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune for treatment.

The chief minister was told that as many as 25 hearing aids and 25 spectacles have been provided to 50 persons while in Drang area 300 samplings have been planted.

Jute Bag making course for 30 women is being run by the army besides training course for 20 women in tailoring, stitching and designing. Fifty students of Gujjar and Bakerwals are being provided schooling and setting up of a Army Goodwill School at Drang is being considered, said the army.