Tourism Deptt doesn’t have funds for exercise
Inaction a hurdle in planned development of destinations
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, July 28: Despite repeated announcements and directions, there is no headway on the formulation of Master Plans for the Tourism Development Authorities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir mainly because the Tourism Department doesn’t have sufficient funds for this exercise to be conducted by the J&K Town Planning Organization.
On November 11, 2024, the Government, while reviewing the functioning of the Tourism Department and chart the way forward for a more sustainable and visitor-focused approach in the tourism sector, gave instructions for strengthening of Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) and taking immediate steps to prepare Master Plans for every development authority for planned development of tourism destinations.
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Thereafter, on February 19, 2025, in a high-level meeting, stress was laid on formulation of Master Plan for each TDA to ensure systematic and well planned tourism development. Further, the senior officers underscored the necessity of such strategic planning to boost the tourism sector and create more opportunities for economic growth in the region.
Moreover, the Tourism Department was directed to immediately initiate the formulation of Master Plans in consultation with the Town Planning Organization.
However, even after the lapse of several months, the crucial planning exercise has not moved beyond the papers and lack of funding support for the Town Planning Organization has been cited as the primary hurdle in beginning the process, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
“The Town Planning Organization, which has the technical capacity and expertise to formulate comprehensive Master Plans for each Tourism Development Authority, has sought funds to initiate the process. However, at present, the Tourism Department lacks sufficient resources for the task”, sources informed.
Disclosing that the requirement of funds has been projected before the higher authorities, sources said, “due to the shortage of funds, the Tourism Department may take up the formulation of Master Plans only for the major Tourism Development Authorities”, adding “the clear picture will emerge only once funds are released to the Tourism Department for this vital exercise”.
“The tourism sector will continue to suffer from unregulated growth and infrastructure deficiencies unless this planning gap is addressed”, they further said, adding “in the absence of structured Master Plans, many of the Tourism Development Authorities are functioning without a long term vision, often resulting in haphazard development, ecological strain and poor visitor management systems”.
As per their opinion, without Master Plans, eco-sensitive zones, carrying capacity, infrastructure needs and land use regulation cannot be scientifically determined, which ultimately hampers the sustainability of tourism in these areas. “The directives were visionary, but they must be followed through with action on ground. Delays are only undermining the intent behind the policy push”, they stressed.
Confirming that the lack of funds has created a hurdle in initiating exercise for formulation of Master Plans, some officers in the Tourism Department said, “we hope that this matter will be treated as a priority and funds will be released expeditiously to pave the way for kick-starting the Master Plan formulation process”.
Admitting that several Tourism Development Authorities don’t have Master Plan till date, they said, “a Master Plan is a dynamic long-term planning document that provides a conceptual layout to guide future growth and development”, adding “the purpose of a Master Plan is to promote growth and guide and regulate present and future development of the areas with a perspective of 20-25 years and such a plan is imperative for each and every tourist destination as tourism is now commonly viewed not only as a major source of employment but also as a tool for conservation and a catalyst for urban and rural regeneration”.
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