S Tahir-ul Haq
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Mar 6: At a time when union government is claiming high that they will not leave any stone unturned in making Jammu Kashmir a beautiful tourist destination Gurez valley in Northern Kashmir has not been brought on the tourism map so for as it should be.
According to the locals the department of tourism has failed to boost the tourism industry despite the fact that the department had claimed that tourists will be invited to visit various parts of J&K, but the promises were not fulfilled yet.
There are people from across the globe who are keen to visit here but the department of tourism has failed to boost the tourism industry and with the result people want to stay at their own places, said sources.
They also said that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are the best places where tourists can visit any time, but the previous governments have failed to focus on its development, otherwise there was hardly any competitor in its parallel.
Jammu is a pilgrim site and Ladakh is known for adventure sports, vis a vis Kashmir is above all, but the dynastic rulers have ruined it with their personal interests, said sources.
If sources are to be believed they further said that, in the past the union government sent huge amount to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, but perhaps that was not utilized in a proper way.
“Fact of the matter is that the government has failed to explore many historical sites across the Jammu and Kashmir and with the result tourism industry seems on a brink with each passing day,” sources alleged.
Gurez valley has diverse flora and fauna and rich cultural heritages, besides there is a river called Kishanganga that flows through the valley, said locals of Gurez valley, adding the roar of mighty Kishanganga river flowing across the valley gives a mesmerizing charm and sound that opens the arms of beauty that the valley possesses.
People of Gurez valley are Dards, they speak Sheena language and the feature and attire of the Dards are similar to Kashmiri people of mountain regions.
“Beyond from rich cultural heritages, our area has an ultimate adventure destination; however Gurez is a gateway to the famous silk route across central Asia. There are scores of villages including Barina, Dawar, Jurniyal, Malangam, Markoot, Parna Tuliel and other adjoining areas that are connected with Gurez tehsil that presents a different look and beauty that could attract tourists from across the globe, said Shahnawaz from Gurez area,” said locals. |
