Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8: Social activist Jayesh Gupta today held Jammu and Kashmir Government responsible for the rampant mismanagement and poor financial oversight of major tourism and infrastructure projects in the Jammu region.
Addressing a press conference, Gupta accused the administration of wasting crores of taxpayers’ money on ventures that have failed to deliver the promised economic benefits and have instead become ongoing financial liabilities.
He said, “Several high-profile projects launched with the intent of boosting tourism and regional development have fallen short of expectations. Among them is the Jambu Zoo at Nagrota, which was built on a vast expanse of land and with considerable public investment. Despite its potential to become a major tourist attraction, the zoo has consistently struggled to draw visitors.”
“Another project was the cable car system connecting Bahu Fort to Mahamaya and Mahamaya to Peerkho. Despite the uniqueness and scenic potential of the route, the project has failed to gain traction with tourists and locals alike,” he said.
Gupta also pointed to the long-delayed Artificial Lake project on the Tawi River, which has remained incomplete for over a decade.
Gupta urged the Union Territory Administration to urgently reassess its developmental strategy and demanded for immediate corrective measures, including independent audits, better project planning, and transparent execution to ensure that these taxpayer-funded projects are transformed into self-sustaining ventures.
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