We have been repeatedly impressing upon the dire need to have a serious relook at the entire tourism structure looking to its huge potential coupled with unfortunately the inability of the successive Governments in tapping that potential. Without mincing words, let there be no bones made about the fact that whatever is or has been done in this sphere, Kashmir tourism has got the upper sway in comparison to vast and scattered huge potential in Jammu region. If the economy of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir has to take frog leaps towards achieving the required growth, it could do it by promoting tourism under a well formulated short term and long term plans, raise necessary infrastructure and find out opportunities for private investment, now that overall situation in the UT, particularly in Kashmir is vastly improved.
On the face of it, some important decisions were taken by the Lieutenant Governor in respect of rejuvenating and restructuring of Tourism Development Authorities but the same have not been matched with an effective response from the Department of Tourism. There must be problems faced by them in addition to the admitted fact that the Department was reeling under a deficit of slackness and frugality towards taking initiatives and putting in a bit of extra efforts. Are we only to frequently refer to the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, its flora and fauna, lush green forests, lakes, rivers enchanting meadows and fascinating natural landscapes etc only for literary purposes and not exploiting the same for commercial impetus and objectives in order to generate vast opportunities of employment ? That very vision, if kept in mind very dedicatedly, while thinking about tourism could transform into a turnaround of this sector with a fruitful take off from the current ‘grounded’ situation.
One thing cannot be disputed that the erstwhile state or now the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Governments are appearing to be prompt in discussing and debating in meetings on back to back basis, issues which otherwise needed quick and prompt, at least time bound resolutions . In other words, actions seem to be subservient to mere perceptions. The same approach has been adopted towards directions issued last December about restructuring Tourism Development Authorities but without any concrete results on the ground except three precious months having been virtually wasted. No exercise has been started or at least something like having appeared to be started in the subject matter. In other words, directions of the Lt. Governor, follow up by the Chief Secretary in the issue under reference, have not been heeded to .
On the other hand, several factors have been plaguing the Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) which at present are 21 as out of 24 , 3 are now with the UT of Ladakh. They were created and influenced by political considerations much more than for professional pursuits hence kept ill equipped, starved of adequate manpower, without requisite but reasonable infrastructure, sans trainings and exposures about their expected role in promoting tourism and thus achieving the aim of ensuring continuous increase in the footfall of tourists. On close scrutiny, it would surprisingly be observed that most of these Authorities were non functional, existed more on papers than in terms of performance or any contributions except calculation and preparations of salary bills promptly at the end of each month. Under-performance, if not wastage of precious human resources can be seen explicitly in these TDAs. Creating of posts randomly, faulty planning, overlooking or ignoring ground situations and the like are the “hallmarks” of these Authorities. Even the basic requirement of management of disposal of solid waste generated in tourist spots continues to elude the expected competence of these Authorities. A holistic view based on professional long term planning is urgently needed in revamping the TDAs.
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