Last month’s heavy rains in the State have caused damages beyond imagination. In Kashmir, the disaster was caused by the breach in the banks of Jhelum at several places resulting in the inundation of the city especially its low lying areas.
A month has passed and the authorities have to understand that heavy rains have also caused serious damages to many parts in Jammu region. These parts may not be given as much priority as is given to Srinagar city, yet the fact is that on the ground, areas affected by heavy rains in Jammu have not been addressed nor have the people in these regions been provided with adequate relief. We have Poonch and Rajouri districts in sight where considerable loss has happened to roads, bridges, culverts, houses, localities etc. In particular, we are sorry to bring to the notice of the authorities that the Surinsar-Mansar Authority, which is entrusted with the task of developing the picnic cum religious spot at Mansar and Surinsar water bodies has remained inactive in restoring the two lakes to their original condition. Heavy rains have brought down the mudslide over Mansar connecting road and banks and spoilt the setting of the beautiful lake. The footpath around the lake has turned into mud and rubble, link road from the main highway to Mansar is in dilapidated condition, the children’s park is all covered with the debris and mud and no cleaning arrangement has been made. Out of nearly one and half a dozen toilets only two are functional and even these two are stinking. Water supply and electric power to the tourist cum religious site have been suspended and no steps are taken by the Authority to restore these. It has to be stated that the two water bodies carry both tourism as well as religious element meaning that people come to enjoy the picnic spot and also to pay obeisance at the old temples that are situated there and are historically connected to the lake.
The two lakes are much liked and visited picnic spots in Jammu region. In recent years, the number of tourists has substantially increased and the site had been promising signs of development. It could have been developed in proper way if the Authority had made some planning in the lay out of the tourist site. It needed some imagination and planning and also timely release of funds. After all tourist spots are not raised overnight; these take their time to come up. We would impress upon Surinsar-Mansar Authority to be more conscious of their responsibility of improving this tourist site in all its manifestations. Left to itself, the site is coming up in an ugly way. Shopkeepers and vendors are concerned with their daily business but not with the aesthetics which essentially is the task the Authority has to perform. It will be unfortunate if this lone tourist spot in Jammu region is not developed as it should be.
Follow our WhatsApp channel