Neglected Lake Mansar

The 2.5 kms long and 1.5 km broad Lake Mansar is the only grand water body in the entire Jammu province which has historical links with the times of Mahabharata. Situated at a distance of about 25 kilometres from Samba, Mansar lake is located in the lap of lush green vegetation and forests and presents a panoramic view which any lover of nature would like to feel happy with.
Apart from scenic beauty and tempting environments, the fresh air and cool morning breeze, Mansar has enviable religious history behind it which makes it all the more a sacred lake for the believers. The temples of deities that are to be found in the vicinity give the lake an element of sacredness. It is this element that maintained the ecology of the lake for centuries at end. But modern life and changed values have given a big set back to the development of the site as a tourist spot. Although Mansar-Surinsar Development Authority has taken over the charge of maintaining the two lakes in Jammu, the fact of the matter is that the Tourism Department has shown only scant enthusiasm to develop Mansar Lake a real tourist spot where people not only from other parts of the State but also from other parts of the country would get themselves registered for a visit. The State of affairs at this otherwise beautiful water body is sordid and painful. No Government in the State has so far taken any keen interest in the spot that could have become a source of great attraction for the local and foreign tourists. First of all millions of religious tourists who come to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi to have a darshan might also be attracted in visiting Mansar lake, an equally important religious tourist site. But the condition of the lake is not at all describable. It is a sad commentary on tourism authorities.
The site is without proper and regular electric power which makes the place look dreary after dusk when the lights should have been there at any cost. The road connecting Mansar with National Highway to Samba is in utter dilapidated condition with pot- holes and bumps on every yard. One fails to understand why the concerned Ministry has not so far taken notice of it. After all if a new site is desired to be developed as fresh engagement good road is the first requirement.  Reality on the ground is that the number of pilgrims and visitors/tourists to Mansar is dwindling and if the destruction of the spot continues unabated, we may not have any visitors and far less pilgrims coming to Mansar.
Actually, though funding problem is there for all other purposes but more than that is the problem of indiscipline and lack of sense of belonging among the stake holders. Unless, there are basic comforts and appendages, one would not like to stay at a strange place. No effort worth the name has been made by the Tourism Department to scientifically develop Mansar and Surinsar lakes and make them a source of attraction for the tourists and pilgrims. It is a sad commentary on the planners in the Department of Tourism to deprive Jammu region of a source of income from tourists and pilgrims and at the same time block the opportunities for the youth to find employment whether in the State service or in a private enterprise connected with this tourist spot. Carelessness of authorities is boundless and there is not one area which could be called inspiring hope.
There is a lack of planning. Development authority is not only to provide salaries to the staff that is employed. Development Authority’s primary job is to draw visionary plans for the site which firstly would make it extraordinarily beautiful and attractive. Secondly, it must exploit employment potential as well as business potential. A plan could be envisaged for the market place, decent restaurants, motels and private paying guest facilities. In the first place, the Tourism Department should focus on building a good two lane road with facilities as are desirable so that it remains motorable throughout the year. Secondly, a children park should be developed close to the lake so that it is real fun for kids who will have play way games and fun enjoyment. Thirdly it is important to revive religious sanctity of the lake and the shrines whose remains are still visible. A comprehensive plan for restoration of heritage has to be dawn for the Lake side. Plantation has to be assigned to the Forest Department and the Department of Environment together. If plantation begins now in next couple of years it will give an entirely new look. Then piped drinking water is to be supplied to the tourist spot so that people do not suffer.
It is really sad that the bank of the lake is polluted beyond imagination and waste and litter is spread all over. Where are the authorities of the Tourism Department who are assigned the duty of keeping the environs clean? After all there has to be accountability. It is reported that 26 toilets raised for the use of tourists are all non functional and the lights about 150 of them are not at all functional fox last six months. Is not the Tourism Department in a position to provide a good generator that would serve the local requirements? Is it not in anybody’s head that there should be benches and seats where tourists can sit a while and enjoy the scenic beauty? Should not be there a small but cosy reading room with a dozen of local and national newspapers for the visitors? Should not be there the arrangement of first aid and emergency to meet any exigency that happens?
In final analysis we are constrained to say that this is nothing short of a step motherly treatment to the people of Jammu region. Why is not it possible for the Tourism Department to use same rules and norms for Mansar as are used for Dal or Nagin or Wullar lakes in Kashmir. The Mansar-Surinsar Development Authority should be called to book and asked to explain its failure of preserving the beauty and cleanliness of this well known water body in Jammu region.

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