| No cellular network for Amarnath pilgrims in Sonamarg | | Night accommodation charges skyrocket, govt fails to take care of Yatris | | S Tahir-ul Haq
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, July 3: Fact can't be denied that, state and union government spends huge amount on various developmental projects in Kashmir, but they forgot to install cellular towers, especially BSNL in Sonamarg for Amarnath pilgrims.
Sources informed Early Times due to non availability of cellular networks in Sonamarg area, the Amarnath yatris are facing various problems due to which they didn't remain in touch with their family members' outsides the state.
"Not a single cellular networks including of state owned BSNL nor other private mobile networks are working properly in Sonamarg in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. There is not internet, people remain not reachable till they reaches back to Ganderbal or Srinagar districts," said sources.
"I have come here to visit, Amarnath cave for pilgrimage, but it is really disappointing that no cellular networks are functioning as we were expecting," said a pilgrim Anil.
"From past two days, I have not spoken to my family. They might be worried about my well being, after every 2-3 kms, we have cellular networks at our place, but government has failed to install a singular networks for Amarnath pilgrims here, but I want to tell my family that I am comfortable here, so there is no need to worry anything about we people," said Yatri who had stayed in Sonmarag hotel.
Tourists have also complained that, the hoteliers have been charging high from the people who stay in hotels and restaurants for one or two nights, while as the quality of food is below expectations, said sources.
However sources said despite High Court banning the use of polythene and plastic bags at eco-sensitive resorts in Kashmir, polythene bags including torn wrappers and other items can be seen scattered everywhere around Sonamarg bowl. There is no effort from the employees of Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) to keep the non biodegradable items away from this tourist spot, said sources.
Even though some dust bins have been placed at various spots there for all types of tourists, but people hardly use these, due to unawareness on part of the department concerned.
The 45-day long annual Amarnath Yatra which started on July 1 has been going on smoothly. Till date, 11,456 pilgrims have paid their obeisance at Amarnath cave, and the 45-day Amarnath Yatra will end on August 15, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival. |
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