Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, June 6: Creating road-block in the economic development of many areas of land-locked region, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is sleeping over Jammu and Kashmir Government’s request for opening of more areas of Ladakh for foreign tourists despite consent given by 14 Corps of the Northern Command.
Ladakh is praised internationally as the most adventurous tourist spot in North India. The region offers interesting opportunities for adventure and thrill because it is situated at a height of 3000 meter above the sea level and between the mighty Karakorum and Himalayan mountain ranges.
Because of this, entire Ladakh region in general and several parts of Leh district in particular have become favorite destinations for the foreign tourists apart from Indian tourists. However, several areas particularly in Nubra valley are out of bound for foreigners because of restrictions imposed due to security reasons.
The representatives of Ladakh region have been repeatedly requesting for opening up of areas/places in Nubra valley beyond Panamik up to Warshi including Yarma-Gonpa/Yarma-Gonbo Monastery for foreigners as the influx of foreign tourists can be a good source of earnings for the local population and improve economic development of the area. Moreover, the scenic beauty of Nubra valley coupled with presence of Buddhist Monastery, Yarma Gonbo, can be a good attraction for foreign tourists.
Keeping in view this persistent demand, the Home Department of State Government vide communication dated February 28, 2014 requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to permit tourists to visit places till Yarma-Ganbo and Tyyakshi Pachathang and Thang areas in Nubra valley so as to encourage tourism activities in these areas, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
However, the MHA conveyed approval in respect of Indian tourists only and accordingly State Government issued SRO-19 dated January 16, 2015 by virtue of which domestic tourists were permitted to visit places beyond Panamik up to Warshi in Nubra-Sub-Division tourist circuit, sources said.
In the meantime, Headquarters of Leh-based 14 Corps of the Northern Command vide communication No.3316/GSI(b) dated January 21, 2015 intimated that extension of inner line permit beyond Panamik was recommended by Army with a pre-condition of establishing Police Posts to restrict foreign tourists beyond Warshi and along road Sasoma-Saserla to address the concern of Army.
Based on this communication, the Home Department of J&K vide communication No. Home/ISA/2013/146/705 dated February 12, 2015 requested the Ministry of Home Affairs that the inner line permit may be extended further from Panamik to Warshi including Yarma-Gonpa/Yarma-Gonbo Monastery in Nubra Sub-Division for foreign tourists, sources informed.
However, during the past over three months the Ministry of Home Affairs has not taken any decision on the request of the J&K’s Home Department despite clearance from the 14 Corps of the Northern Command.
“Army might have minutely analyzed all the security related aspects before putting weight behind opening of more areas for foreign tourists”, sources said, adding “since opening of more areas would improve the economic condition of people there should not be any more delay in taking decision on the request of J&K Government”.
When contacted, Chief Executive Councilor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Rigzin Spalbar said, “we have decided to vociferously take up this issue with the Union Home Minister during this forthcoming visit to Leh”, adding “if the visit is delayed further, we will send reminder to the Ministry as opening of more areas for foreign tourists would improve economic condition of otherwise poor segment of Nubra valley”.
He said that early decision would help in generating economic benefits for the people during the ongoing tourist season as foreign tourists have high spending capacity.
Follow our WhatsApp channel