| Amid ‘record’ spike in Covid cases, Govt focuses on promotion of sports, tourism | | | 
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 20: In a shocking development, on the day Jammu and Kashmir witnessed highest spike in Covid cases, the government remained busy in promotion of tourism and sports in the Union Territory.
On January 19, the Government informed that 5818 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (COVID-19), 1752 from Jammu division and 4066 from Kashmir division, have been reported, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 372669. Also, four Covid deaths have been reported from Jammu Division.
A per officials, it was highest number of Covid cases in a day since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Interestingly, on the same day, the government opted for even more promotion of tourism and sports activities. As per official documents, in a bid to promote Doodpathri as a winter tourism destination, the Director Tourism and Deputy Commissioner Budgam inaugurated a first of its kind of 'All Terrain Vehicle' (ATV) rally from TRC up to Parhaiz Maidaan at Doodpathri in Budgam.
On the occasion, a Snow Ski show was also held in which well trained skiers demonstrated their skills.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism said that Doodpathri is being given special focus to be developed as best Winter Tourism spot, where activities like snow ski, snow- boarding, snow cycling, ATVs facility and other snow related activities shall be held every winter.
The event was held when the government has shut OPD facilities at many hospitals in the wake of deadly spike in the cases.
The government has already been facing severe criticism for focusing on extracurricular activities like sporting events and musical concerts when the hospitals are struggling to treat the patients infected with the deadly virus.
Ironically at a time when the healthcare and educational activities are affected due to spike in Covid, tourism remains the focus of the government.
“We’re not being allowed to attend tuition classes but tourism activities are welcome. What is government’s priority education or tourism?” asked some students. |
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