Previously, in these columns we have been highlighting discrepancies in planning, execution and consolidating various new projects floated by the State or the Central Government. We generally take up concrete examples to strengthen our point of view. Here we would like to take up the case of streamlining tourism in Kishtwar. The basic philosophy behind this project is to stimulate economy of Kishtwar, attract tourists, float projects that would attract tourists and as a corollary to that, local people involved in tourist industry would be benefitted. The philosophy is sound. But what is the environmental and circumstantial situation in which the idea of streamlining Kishtwar tourism can be floated. Kishtwar has attractive climate no doubt. It has high mountains and the plateau has its own charm. We concede that the nature abounds in beauty and attraction. But Kishtwar is not situated on the National Highway. Road connectivity is very tortuous and almost seasonal as it is situated deep in the mountains. It has no tradition of tourism. There is total lack of basic amenities for developing tourism like good hotels, rapid communication, good restaurants, recreational spots, clubs and community halls, theatres and cinema halls, outdoor and indoor games, light and sound programmes and so many other things.
Our contention is not that no energizing developmental schemes have to be envisaged for any backward region of the State. All regions have to be brought under developmental programmes. What we are suggesting is that before launching any dream-world project, we have to see the geography, topography, accessibility, available infrastructure, manpower, market-efficiency and so many other things. It is not true that we can apply same norms for development of tourism in Kishtwar as we do for example for Kashmir valley notwithstanding the fact that climatic conditions of both the regions are almost identical. It is not just the illusion of climate that has to be accepted as the decisive factor. No, each sector of tourism development that is contemplated for any particular region has to be evaluated in the light of the environs where it is launched. Easy accessibility by road and by air is the fundamental requirement of a tourist destination. Is that available in Kishtwar? No not at all. The question is when conditions that would prove conducive to the success of the contemplated plan are not there, what is the sense in going ahead with the fantasia and investing money with the result that the infrastructure thus raised has no users. Destination Development Programme Phase-II proposed one HRD Centre, fencing of the area, walkways, water supply and sanitation to attract tourists to see saffron fields as promotion of eco-tourism. The project was completed in March 2011 albeit not with all the components at a cost of Rs 1.60 crore. The entire expenditure has only benefitted the contractor engaged for the construction work as no activity connected with Saffron Safari has been undertaken till date. The infrastructure raised with an expenditure of 1.60 crore rupees has become unproductive and wasteful. Where are the tourists who would come to visit the saffron fields? What economy is it generating or will generate? How many local people/families will be benefited economically from this project? These are the questions that should have been taken into consideration before launching the project undr the high profile name of Saffron Safari.
Same is the fate of another project called Water Sports. Kishtwar Development Authority in March 2009 constructed Water Sports Centre at Dool at a cost of Rs 1.21 crore for promotion of water sports. But, this facility has failed to yield the intended objective as required number of equipment for water sports could not be acquired till date as a result of which the entire expenditure has benefited only the contractor and infrastructure is lying as idle asset. And about the Golf Course at Sanasar, the less said the better. An expenditure of Rs 1.49 crore was incurred between 2005-06 and 2008-09 on the re-development—segregating meadows with decorative fencing and construction of alternative footpath and redevelopment of nine holes and procurement of mechanical equipment. However, this Golf Course could not be put to the use the way it was planned till date. Central Government is providing very frugal funds to the State for development of tourism. It is the duty of the State authorities to ensure that the money so lavishly given is utilized for productive activity.
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