Merely by saying repeatedly that there was enough potential for tourism in Jammu region and doing practically nothing about harnessing it was tantamount to floating mere concepts and hypothesis in the air . In other words, it denotes all those sets of exercises undertaken to find out how tourism in Jammu region could be promoted and different suggestions and solutions found for it, all remaining on paper. We have cogent reasons to substantiate such fears and, therefore, solid basis to voice our concern .The fact of the matter is that there is not even enough staff strength on minimum requirement basis to run the Directorate of Tourism ably not to speak of maintaining the raised assets over the years. Any asset raised with the public funds must be put to use in a remunerative manner so as to nurse it in a way that not only does it earn revenue but proves self financing for its own upkeep and maintenance . The travesty in respect of Tourism Assets , more or less, is that routine conservation and prolongation – the necessary factors for the health of an asset – do not seem to be fully assured. The impact on the emerged scenario is that some engineers have developed vested interests too and have been projecting their indispensability.
From time to time , it is felt that since there was a vast potential for tourism in this region , for its promotion certain measure of raising of infrastructure and projects was necessary and there are a few projects even being reported to be under execution currently but their status, likely date of completion and making operational , is known to none as there is absence of both seriousness and proper monitoring. On the other hand, there are such prestigious projects which really can matter much in not only giving a fillip to the area specific tourism but generating enough economic activities too and hence employment prospects. In this connection, it is pertinent to point out that those helming the Tourism Department cannot even properly and effectively liaise with the concerned authorities in the Central Government in such a way so as to ensure that projects pending approval like Rs.198 crore Mansar Rejuvenation and Development Plan were cleared at the earliest. Same being the case with Basholi project in respect of constructing eco-huts in Sarthal – Basohli area which though sent by the concerned department to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir for approval and sanction, too continues be in utter inertial mode. This scenario being there despite the area in itself is known for abounding with tourism related potential.
The same saga of neglect, disinterest and non -seriousness in respect of other facets of converting potential into reality is depicted by the Tourism Department in respect of Ranjit Sagar Dam and development of its catchment area . Areas like Batote, Kud, Reasi, Kishtwar , Basholi and Doda where numerous beautiful spots and places of interest from tourism angle are awaiting attention of the Government to be developed, continue to be on papers and in files only. Professional approach which otherwise is required at each stage of tourist related input activities is totally missing in Jammu and Kashmir. Amusement Park near Jumbo zoo in Nagrota – project related thereto again having been sent to the Central Government for funding is pending because a detailed project report has still not been submitted to the Government.
We can definitely give some leverage to the government and the Tourism Department on account of the COVID related constraints mainly in respect of making funds available urgently required for various upcoming and underway projects but that relates to just a year and a half. Therefore, what about the earlier period? The overall impression gathered is absence of due seriousness, planned approach, target oriented projections and realisation thereof and last but not the least, total absence of a professional phenomenon. If we add one factor too, it won’t be any overstatement of facts and that is – the absence of blend of a required mindset and walking a few steps more. So, let proposals and projections, concepts and ideas , assessments and calculations and the like travel beyond papers and statements as Jammu tourism is clamouring for prompt and pointed attention.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel