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| New vistas of tourism promotion in Jammu | | |
It is heartening that the government led by Ghulam Nabi Azad has takensome steps to promote tourism in Jammu region, which had been totally
ignored in the past. While some new tourism circuits in the region have been created, with funds earmarked under the centrally sponsored
schemes for their development, separate tourism authority have been created for some areas having tourism potential. Similarly the rich historical and cultural heritage of Jammu has received some attention for the first time. In this regard implementation of the project of Mubarak Mandi heritage complex need special mention. Tourism has been the main stay of the economy of J&K. All the three regions of the
state viz. Jammu, Kashmir and Ladhakh have vast tourism potential.
While Kashmir valley, the paradise on earth is known as the Switzerland of Asia, due to the scenic beauty, salubrious climate, vast meadows, wide landscapes, snow covered mountain peaks and fragrant air, Ladhakh is a mystic land with rich cultural heritage treasure house of religious learning in its stupas and monasteries. Jammu is the hub of bliss tourism or pilgrim tourism. However all the
three regions have famous ancient shrines and places of pilgrimage of Hindu, Muslim and Bodh religions. Similarly all the three are rich in scenic beauty and rich fauna and flora.
While tourism in Kashmir valley has been exploited, with proper development and shaping of natural spots, infrastructure has been made available for the tourists, offering them warmest hospitality, tourism potential of Jammu region has been ignored. Pilgrim tourism alone has not impetus in Jammu- thanks to the self tourism generating Mata Vaishno devi, which motivates and attracts over 60 lakhs of pilgrims
annually to come here to pay obeisance to the deity having her abode in the lofty Trikuta mountain tops. It has also many other famous and historical religious shrines, visit to which provides solace to the devotees. The region though no match in beauty spots to Kashmir valley, is close behind to it. Here too we have lofty mountains covered with snow, dense forests, with deodar, pine and fur trees growing in abundance to make its air fragrant and soothing. It has
twin lakes of Mansar and Sruinsar besides innumerable springs spread all over in the hilly areas of the region. High mountainous areas in Poonch, Rajouri, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and parts of Udhampur and Kathua districts have salubrious climate, vast meadows and landscapes. All
these have rich potential for holiday or leisure tourism. The only difference is that unlike Kashmir valley, where right from the British Raj period, tourism has been exploited and developed, Jammu tourism has by and large remained ignored. With proper infrastructure provided and effective steps taken, Jammu region can also attract holiday
tourists and can be a close substitute to Kashmir valley, during militancy in Kashmir. The need of the hour is that Jammu's tourism potential should have been explored, existing spots developed with all the necessary infrastructure, while potential new spots identified for development in due course of time. Promotion of tourism in Jammu region could only supplement, rather help further promotes tourism in Kashmir valley.
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