Last Updated on October 5, 2021 at 1:36 pm
The tall claims of government related to promotion of tourism in Jammu region is confined to papers only and the ground reality is really different. The planned projects seem to be nowhere due to the lackadaisical attitude of administrations and concerned officials at every level.
Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have claimed that Jammu region has the potential tourists spots and they are making every effort for the growth and development of the tourism sector.
But the ground reality is very different and tourism in Jammu region is being promoted only through statements, reportedly. Rs 198 crore worth Mansar Rejuvenation and Development Plan has yet not been formally sanctioned by the Government of India.
J&K Government made tall claims to make floating jetties, improve parking area and install bio-toilets at Mansar and thus Rs 9.8 crore out of the CAPEX Budget was set aside for the same. But, this project is also going through some formalities despite lapse of considerable period of time. As per reports, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and his Advisor Baseer Ahmed Khan, who is looking after the affairs of the Tourism Department directed to the officers for exploring the possibility of adventure sports, hiking, camping and mountain biking in Mansar area. However, nothing has been done so far. Directorate of tourism Jammu claims that these aspects will be taken care of under Mansar Rejuvenation and development plan once the same is officially approved by the Government of India.
Claimes for four projects for creation of tourist facilities near Ranjit Sagar dam, development of catchment area of Baglihar dam near Batote, river rafting and allied facilities at Baradari in Reasi and establishment of amusement park near Jambu Zoo near Nagrota have been made and submitted to the Government of India for funding. But till now no further progress have been made.
Moreover the claims have fallen flat as Directorate of Tourism Jammu have no adequate staff to run the and complete the ongoing projects. All this clearly shows that tourism in Jammu region is being promoted only in papers and practically nothing is being done in this matter.
