Create facilities at Patnitop, Sanasar

Chenani  – Nashri Tunnel, became  fully operational  more than a year ago which  expectedly has thrown more doors open for promoting and sustaining tourism in this sector especially Patnitop and Sanasar belt. Underlining this new vista of tourism, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took a slew of decisions  nearly a year back.
While chairing 19th meeting of Patnitop Development Authority, the CM  had desired to take such steps as would make Patnitop a complete tourist destination. As a natural corollary, places like Sanasar, Mantalai, Nathatop and other areas in the catchment of Patnitop, needed special attention in respect of development like upgrading of road, providing increased tented accommodation and starting a souvenir market there. However, there is no follow up action on majority of decisions.
Even after Border Roads Organization (BRO) maintaining Patnitop – Nathatop road to a larger extent, still the State Roads and Buildings Department did not feel motivated to improve the condition of Nathatop – Sanasar road. It is the condition of this road which keeps prospective tourists off and discourages them from visiting Sanasar even after establishment of Tulip Garden in the recent past.
Unless ancillary facilities like reasonably motorable road, accommodation, proper boarding, recreational activities, sightseeing arrangements, tuck shops, basic medical help and the like are provided, no tourist destination howsoever bestowed with natural beauty,  can come up fast as a spot of attraction. Minimum investment by the Government or by such arrangement which is by modes like participation by the private sector etc can result in huge tourist turn over and earning of revenue besides providing employment opportunities. Patnitop – Sanasar cannot be an exception.
Upgrading of road is the real bottleneck in the instant case and the reasons of no action being taken in this regard are unknown. Underground cabling of power transmission wires in Patnitop was slated to have been completed by the end of December 2017 but the State Power Development Department has utterly failed to honour and stick to the timeline . It again is a mystery as to when the remaining work will get completed.
Patnitop is having another seasonal problem, that of clearing snow from roads and connecting small passes during winter months. The Chief Minister had directed for procurement of a snow cutter machine exclusively for the Patnitop Development Authority. No funds, however, were kept at its disposal.
The issue of setting up of a fire station at Patnitop continues itself to hang in fire. Moreover, not a single rupee  has till date been released out of the amount of Rs. 50 lakh under directions from the Chief Minister for development of wayside amenities  which shows how things connected to the most important area of tourism are moving in the state. A breakthrough is needed to have the desired results, even belatedly.

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