Tassaduq for positioning J&K among global tourist destinations

Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Jan 29: Minister for Tourism, Tassaduq Hussain Mufti today said the State Government has adopted a multipronged strategy to harness the tourism potential and position Jammu and Kashmir as the leading global destination adding that the idea is to make the tourism sector as the principle engine of the State’s economic growth.
Winding up the discussion on Demands for Grants of Tourism and allied Departments for the year 2018-19, the Minister, in his maiden speech in the Legislative Assembly, said government’s endeavour would be to frame a tourism policy for not just creating jobs but to ensure better livelihood for the people.
“We should not ignore the environmental consequences    while creating infrastructure and exploring new destinations,” he said and mentioned the emerging situation around Pangong Lake, Ladakh and Sonamarg in Kashmir due to uncontrolled human activities. He stressed on the need on laying equal focus on the waste management in the environmentally fragile destinations.
“To achieve the set targets, the Tourism department is working in a mission mode to make JK a destination that is natural in its environs, global in standards, modern in outlook, traditional in its hospitality, mystical in sensibilities and entertaining in its experience” he added.
The Minister said that a self-sustained tourism model has been envisioned and is being implemented in all three regions of the state for inclusive socio-economic development and ensuring emergence of each region as exclusive independent tourist destination.
He said that emphasis is being laid on creating durable assets in all the potential tourist spots of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh so that a good tourist influx is influenced towards the state.
The Minister informed the House that under PMDP funding, the department   envisages   consolidation/ creation/ strengthening of existing infrastructure across the state, bringing about quality facilities like amusement parks, golf courses, Light and Sounds shows, river cruises food streets, way side facilities to attract both domestic and high end tourists.
He said that PMDP funding would be utilized keeping in view various aspects including development of theme based Tourist Circuits on the principle of high tourist value competitiveness which further enhance employment opportunity to the general masses, developing economically favourable Tourism Infrastructure to improve the livelihood, community based development of projects coupled with training, capacity building measures and to un-tab the outdoor activities in adventure tourism.
Listing the achievements of Tourism department during 2017-18, the Minister informed that under centrally sponsored Swadesh Darshan Scheme, various projects were taken up, of which many have been completed and remaining are at advance stage of completion.
Giving details of the projects taken up under the Scheme, he said that development of Sound and Light Show with water fountains at SKICC Ghats at a cost of Rs 8 crore and Rs 1.53 crore Eco log Multipurpose hall at Apple Resort at Chinniwooder in Anantnag has been completed, while wayside amenities in Bijbehara at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore and development of Tourism infrastructure at Suchetgarh Border at a cost of Rs 4.92 crore is in progress.
Under Prime Minister Development Package (PMDP), Tassaduq said that various projects including development of Tourist facilities at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu involving a cost of Rs 15.96 crore, development of Tourist facilities at SKICC at a cost of Rs 9.25 crore, development of water Sports at Manasbal Lakeworth Rs 5 crore, development of tourist facilities at Dal lake at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore and Eco log huts at Jammu Tawi Golf Course, involving cost of Rs 8 crore are in progress and shall be completed on fast track basis. He said projects under PMDP have been taken up at an accumulative cost of Rs 32.7crore,  while works at Tourist Convention Centre, Srinagar taken up under State Plan at a cost of 12 crore are expected to be completed by June, 2018.
With regard to the status of Jammu Ropeway project, he said that project is at advanced stage of completion. He said the Section from Bahu to Mahamaya Park is expected to be completed by March, 2018 and that from Peerkho to Mahamaya is expected to be completed by May 2018. He said that work on Patnitop Ropeway and tendering process for Shiv Khori Cable Car Project is also in progress adding that the department has envisaged promotion of Jammu as an independent tourist destination by way of developing a Heritage and Temple circuit at Mantalai .
He said conducive, atmosphere coupled with all support structure is must for promotion of tourism which can not only get an impetus by constructing big buildings or flyovers.
Citing the example of foreign countries, he said they give thrust to holistic tourism and unlike here the tourists do not face problems there. In comparison to that there are many impediments and hurdles in promoting tourism like bad shape of roads, increasing traffic jams etc being faced here.
There was a pin drop silence during the speech as both opposition MLAs as well as ruling Party members heard him with rapt attention and almost all members were present in the House to hear the Tourism Minister’s speech. Even the visitors gallery as well as Speaker’s gallery was also full.
The Minister said in foreign countries the tourism is taken as passion and not as industry besides, every care is taken to protect the ecology while we are lagging far behind. He said there were 50 truck loads of trash near Pahalgam and same is witnessed at other places which is polluting the environment and harming the ecology also.
He said moreover when one visits as tourist in a foreign country he sees happiness every where and that happiness is missing here. “We need to create an atmosphere for that and learn from foreign countries”, Tassaduq added.
He sought the cooperation of every member for this and said that “we are saying to talk with Hurriyat and others but before that we should ourselves come across the table, understand the situation and work to create a congenial atmosphere in the State”.
The Minister, while stressing on constructive debates, said that “we should have an introspection and ensure that there should not be a negative impact of our debate outside”, .
The Tourism Minister said “we should try to find solutions instead of being insensitive to the situations”.
He urged the members that they should communicate with people and listen them. Maintaining that happiness concept in the tourism is missing in the State Mufti assured that he will try his utmost to restore that. “I as a Minister want to create a life around the people that they should be happy”, he added.
He said Tourism does not mean bringing people from outside, packing them in a van and dispatching them to a hill top. But it has a much wider concept than that. Tourism does not mean only jobs but a good life for the people, he added.
Tassaduq Mufti said that he is not a politician who can speak measured words.  “I want to work in cooperation with all”. He welcomed the NC Legislative Party Leader, Omar Abdullah who earlier had said in the House that his Party is ready to extend cooperation to Government.
He, while stressing on protection and upkeep of heritage sites which are in doldrums in the State,  said the condition of world famous Dal lake is in front of every one. The tourism is a complete experience but the exiting environment is not conducive and the public transport facility is not proper which, is the main requirement for promotion of tourism.
He said “ we need to save our resources and show due concern to protect the environment and ecology of the State.
Meanwhile, soon after Tassaduq finished his speech the Leader of NC Legislative Party, Omar Abdul came to his seat, shook hands  and congratulated him.
Mufti stood up from his seat and welcomed Abdullah with all humility. Besides, almost all the Ministers including Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh and some ruling coalition MLAs as well as Opposition MLAs including Altaf Kalloo of NC and Hakeem Mohammed Yasin also congratulated him.
Omar Abdullah gave pleasantry smiles when the Tourism Minister was speaking on grants while every member from coalition as well as opposition was listening him with rapt attention.
Later all members withdrew their cut motions and grants were passed.
Earlier several members took part in the discussion and gave their valuable suggestions for the development and promotion of unexplored tourist destinations in the State including border tourism.
They also demanded enhancement in budget proposals for 2018-2019 under Tourism Sector.
Nawng Rigzin Jora said Tourism is an important sector of the State as it creates huge number of jobs directly and indirectly. He expressed concern over fall in the tourism flow and held negative projection of Jammu and Kashmir by a section of media responsible for it. He said the State has a unique potential of tourism in every corner, be it Kashmir, Jammu, Ladakh or border.
He said idea of creating Development authorities was to develop and attract tourists to the virgin destinations. He urged the Government to develop   all virgin areas starting from Jammu upto the Leh to prolong the stay of the tourists in the state. He said the State doesn’t need marketing but peace for development of tourism sector.
Sat Paul Sharma said after Katra was connected with the train the flow of Vaishno Devi pilgrim tourists increased many folds. He urged the Government to develop adequate infrastructure to accommodate the huge flow of tourists. He said the pilgrim tourists can be attracted to nearby places by developing required infrastructure.  He also urged the Government to develop the approach routes to the tourist destinations for the convenience of the tourists. He also called for promotion of border tourism.
Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen urged the Government to develop eco-friendly infrastructure in Doodpathri and Tosa Maidan for the convenience of the tourists. He said these places have great potential to attract tourists in large numbers and can provide jobs to hundreds of locals.
Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami stressed on 100 percent utilization of funds sanctioned under PMDP for execution of various developmental works. He asked the Government to approach Centre Government for taking initiatives for peaceful dialogue in the State, which he said was imperative for promotion of tourism. He also demanded   development of various tourist places including Ladakh.
Mohammad Akbar Lone demanded for early establishment of Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) in Manasbal area. He further called for expediting the construction of infrastructure taken up by Manasbal and Wullar Development Authority.
Choudhry Sukhnadan Kumar demanded for bringing Baba Chutu Dev on the tourism map and urged the government to develop the religious place on the pattern of Shiv Khouri.
Raja Manzoor Ahmad sought development of tourism infrastructure in the Bangus Valley adding that it has huge potential.
Asgar Ali Karbalai said there is a huge potential of tourism in Kargil district and urged the government to build infrastructure to promote tourism in the area. He urged to open Drass-Gurez road adding that it would give boost to the tourism sector in the area.
Bashir Ahmad Dar urged the Government to promote the tourism in Kupwara district and bring it on the world tourism map especially Lolab and Bangus valleys. He urged the Government to work on perception management and change the perception of the people shaped by a section of media, who is portraying the state as an unsafe place.
Neelam Langeh appreciated the Government for taking steps to promote tourists spots of his constituency by holding   carnivals and festivals in the area including at Patnitop and Nathatop. He also urged the Government to focus on holding Winter sports in his Constituency especially at Dam site and urged government to improve connectivity to these areas for convenience of the tourists.
Syed Farooq Andrabi urged the Minister for Tourism to follow the footprints of his father and former Chief Minister who was keen to bring the State back on the international tourism map. He called for bringing in more professionalism in the department.
Pawan Kumar Gupta urged the Government to work on a plan to attract the pilgrim tourists coming to Mata Vaishno Devi to other nearby attractive places. He called upon the Government to develop infrastructure and also increase connectivity to these areas.
Altaf Ahmad Wani said restoration of peace is imperative for sustaining tourism sector and urged the Government to ensure that this Summer more tourists come to the State.
G M Saroori urged for creation of Inderwal Development Authority and development of tourist destinations at Fhamber Meadow in Chatroo area and construction of road from Z. Morh to Fhamber already approved in 2015 DDB meeting Doda.
Jeevan Lal asked the Government to explore more tourist destinations of Jammu province especially far-flung and hilly areas. He said there is huge potential to develop tourist spots in Bani Constituency. He urged the Government to frame road map for the development of tourist destinations of his Constituency.
Mohammad Ashraf Mir said the tourism is backbone of the State’s economy and stressed on the need for creation of infrastructure to attract high end tourists.
Abdul Majeed Padder urged the Government to improve the infrastructure at tourist spots of his constituency, lay focus on preservation of Aharbal waterfall by renovating and developing Aharbal stream, initiate development of Kounsar Nag, Badi Behak etc.
Dilip Parihar urged the Government to improve the tourism facilities in Bhaderwah constituency as  the area witnesses a huge flow of tourists. He said four lakh tourists visited Bhaderwah Valley this year and complained that insufficient funds are being provided to develop infrastructure in the area.
Mubarak Gul urged the Government to identify and develop   new tourist spots which he said will go a long way in economic growth of the State.
Vikar Rasool Wani said that JK has a rich potential of tourism and stressed on the need to explore all the virgin spots of the State. He expressed concern over the negative portrayal of state by a section of Media that has taken heavy toll on the tourism influx.
Ravinder Raina urged the Government to improve the tourism infrastructure at Nowshera and Sunderbani. He said the area has witnessed a huge rush with the opening of Mughal road as it acts as a base for the tourists and travellers. He identified some important tourist destinations of the Constituency and urged Government for the development of these spots.
Deldan Namgyal, while highlighting the huge tourism potential of his Constituency, urged the Government to create new posts for the newly notified Tourism Development Authorities in the State and also urged the Government to develop Tourism Cafeteria at Nobra and open Turtuk-Khapullu road to boost border tourism and trade.

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