Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 2: Social activist Jayesh Gupta, in a press conference held today, strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir administration for the alleged mismanagement and ineffective utilization of taxpayers’ money, which has led to multiple loss-making tourism projects in Jammu.
Gupta highlighted that the Government has spent crores of rupees on various tourism and infrastructure projects across Jammu with the expectation of generating substantial revenue for the Union Territory. However, contrary to these expectations, these projects have turned into financial burdens, forcing the administration to allocate additional taxpayers’ money for their maintenance and operation.
Citing specific examples, Gupta pointed to the Jambu Zoo at Nagrota, which was developed on an expansive piece of land with a significant financial investment. He claimed that the project, envisioned to be a revenue-generating asset, has failed to attract sufficient footfall. As a result, the Government continues to spend more money to manage and maintain the zoo instead of earning any substantial income from it.
Another example mentioned by Gupta was the cable car project connecting Bahu Fort to Mahamaya and Mahamaya to Peerkho. He alleged that it is the only cable car project globally that is running into losses. Gupta argued that with proper planning and execution, the project could have drawn a large number of tourists as well as local visitors.
Gupta also lashed out at the Government for its failure to complete the Artificial Lake project on the Tawi River in Jammu, despite the passage of over ten years since its inception.
In his concluding remarks, Jayesh Gupta urged the UT Administration to take immediate corrective measures to transform these loss-making projects into profitable ventures.
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