ET Report
JAMMU, Feb 16: The failure of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department could be gauged from the fact that six months after the floods, the department has failed to take matter with state government as well as Union government for sanction of funds, which are required for restoration of damaged infrastructure in Jammu region.
Moreover, on one hand the tourist flow in Jammu has also witnessed reduction following inauguration of Katra Jammu rail link but not any new project is likely to completed, besides the already in place infrastructure has also failed to attract tourists and now the inefficiency of department is taking tool, on business of Jammu businessmen.
Sources informed Early Times that after floods' devastation in Jammu province, the department of Tourism had sent a proposal amounting Rs 12 Crore to the Union government for the renovation of major tourist destinations in Jammu, that were damaged in floods alongside Tawi river.
"It seems that matter is not vigorously taken by department so after the lapse of nearly six months, not a single penny has been released", sources alleged.
Four major tourist destinations in Jammu had incurred losses to the tune of Rs. 12 Cr, including Rs 4 Cr to Gulf Course Sidhra, Harki Poudi, Perkho and Park adjoining Bikram Chowk bridge and so far no money has been sanctioned, either by state government or Union government.
"The flood of September had damaged connecting roads, fencing, the field of Gulf Course Sidhra, structures at Harki Poudi besides a quarter of Chowkidar, toilet complex and LCD established in the park at Bikram Chowk", adding "Due to non availability of funds, the renovation of damaged projects is being delayed", sources said.
"A proposal of Rs. 4 Cr was submitted for renovation of Golf Course Sidhra to Union government but not a single penny has been released", sources said, adding that the matter was also not been vigorously taken by Tourism department, due to which funds have not been sanctioned.
Repeatedly attempts to contact Director Tourism, R K Verma, he was not available for comments. |
