‘Cable Cars alone can’t drive tourism growth’
*Adequate stock of essential items in UT
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Mar 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the Government will soon float a fresh Expression of Interest (EOI) slightly relaxing terms and conditions for attractive potential operators to outsource International Yoga and Wellness Centre at Mantalai in Udhampur district.
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Omar, who holds charge of the Tourism Department, gave this information in the Assembly during supplementary question of BJP MLA from Chenani Balwant Singh Mankotia. He was responding to written question of BJP’s Doda legislator and former Minister Shakti Raj Parihar.
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Asserting that the Government has not been able to find a suitable party to outsource Yoga and Wellness Centre at Mantalai, the Chief Minister, however, disclosed that soon they will float a fresh EOI and that efforts in this direction are going on.
“We also intend to relax certain terms and conditions slightly, so that it becomes more viable and attractive for potential operators. The Government is optimistic that once a credible and capable party comes forward, the facility will be promptly handed over to them so that it becomes functional, and at the same time, the asset is preserved and put to proper use,’’ Omar said.
Responding to the charge that the Government has failed to outsource the International Yoga and Wellness Centre at Mantalai, Omar said this infrastructure was not created recently by the Government but rather, it dates back to the time when Dhirendra Brahmachari had established his ashram there which was later taken over by the Government.
“This is not a new issue where we have only now started trying to outsource it. Even under previous Governments, including the one I was part of about six years ago, we made sincere efforts to find a suitable party that could take over and manage the facility, and organise yoga and spiritual tourism activities there,” the Chief Minister said.
Responding to main question of Shakti Raj Parihar, the Chief Minister said the Tourism Department remains committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure and improving visitor facilities at major tourist destinations in Doda including Lal Draman, Dedni, Dal Draman, Ramrachna, Galadhar and Dessa.
“The Government is presently examining a proposal for the notification of new tourism-worthy areas in the Union Territory, which also includes certain locations in Doda including Udrana and Sarna in Bhaderwah, Nalthi, Chinta, Guldanda, Padri, Khaleni Top, Lal Draman, Doda (Municipal Limits) and Shibnote Premnagar.
Parihar demanded setting up of Doda Development Authority saying this will result into flow of funds for tourism promotion.
Omar asserted that Cable Cars alone cannot drive tourism growth in J&K’s potential destinations, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach focusing on infrastructure, connectivity and sustainable development.
Replying to a supplementary question raised by National Conference MLA from Karnah, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, on plans to construct a Cable Car project in his constituency, the Chief Minister cautioned against the assumption that such an initiative alone would attract a large number of tourists.
He said comparisons are often drawn with Gulmarg, where the Gondola has become a major attraction.
“There is a tendency to believe that if a similar facility is installed elsewhere, tourist inflow will automatically follow. This is a misconception,” he added.
Citing examples, he pointed out that Cable Car projects in Srinagar, Jammu and Patnitop have not witnessed footfall comparable to Gulmarg. “There is a clear and significant difference in tourist numbers,’’ he said.
Omar emphasised that tourism development requires a comprehensive and area-specific strategy.
Admitting that more could have been done in the past to harness the tourism potential of Karnah, he said the border region represented by the MLA is exceptionally beautiful, but remains backward and largely unexplored.
“There is no denying the need to significantly promote tourism in remote and underdeveloped areas,” he said, highlighting the region’s strong potential for adventure tourism, including hiking and trekking, in addition to its natural scenic appeal.
Advocating sustainable and inclusive development, he suggested that instead of focusing solely on large hotel infrastructure, efforts should be directed towards promoting homestays at the grassroots level, ensuring direct economic benefits to local communities.
The Chief Minister said Tourism Department is making continuous efforts to bring more areas with tourism potential on the tourism map, subject to feasibility and availability of resources.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, the Chief Minister said that the Centre has assured an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for national unity in the face of emerging global challenges.
He said adequate stocks of essential items, including fuel and LPG, are available in the Union Territory, urging people to remain calm and not to pay heed to rumours.
“Prime Minister convened an important meeting yesterday (Friday) which was attended by Chief Ministers across the country except five states where the elections are taking place.
“During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary made a detailed presentation on the prevailing situation, with a focus on global developments, particularly tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and West Asia, and their potential impact,” Omar said.
He said the Chief Ministers were informed that special emphasis is being laid on maintaining an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, especially fuel. “The Government of India has assured that there is no shortage of any essential items,” he added.
Appealing to the public for calm, the Chief Minister said misinformation had led to long queues at petrol pumps and panic buying of LPG cylinders in Jammu and Kashmir recently.
“People should not pay attention to rumours,” he said, adding his Government is continuously monitoring the supply situation on a daily basis.
“At present, there is no shortage of LPG cylinders, diesel, petrol or kerosene. The Government of India has assured an uninterrupted supply,” he said.
He said after the onset of tensions in West Asia, restrictions were initially imposed on commercial LPG cylinders, with distribution capped at 20 per cent, which has now been increased to 70 per cent, while there were no restrictions on the use of domestic cylinders.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s message, Omar said the country had earlier come together during the COVID-19 pandemic as “Team India” and would similarly remain united to face any emerging challenges.
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