Capt Anil Gour (Retd)
13With the Abrogation of Article 370 and removal of 35A, hope had arisen that Jammu Province will come out of the shadow of Kashmir and be promoted as an Independent Tourist destination. Kashmir had many Million tourists in 2022of which 95% was Leisure and 5% Pilgrim, but Jammu region is diametrically oppositewith 98% Pilgrim and 2% Leisure Tourist. Therefore, Jammu region is still looking for a change in this inflow and there is a dire need for enticing these Pilgrim Tourist to come and stay for a couple of nights in Jammu region, to enjoy the myriad experience offered; alongwith enticing Leisure Tourists as well. Jammu Province with its varied Topography, Ambience, Spiritual sites and Pristine Valleys and Hills must be sold as a destination in Various Circuits. It is then only we will be able to cater to the varied demand of the incoming tourist and exploit the full potential that nature has bestowed upon Jammu Province
The following are the various Circuits needed to be highlighted across the length and breadth of our country and the world;to make Jammu Region an Independent Tourist Destination and increase the footfall in regions less explored till date and bringing prosperity all around: –
A. Jammu City and its surroundings.
B. Leisure Tourism Circuits.
C. Pilgrim Tourism Circuits
D. Adventure Tourism Circuits.
A. Jammu city and its surroundings
Jammu city circuit-Bagh-e-Bahu and Mahamaya forest :
This area has the potential of being developed as the leisure spot not only for the Pilgrim Tourist but also for the local population of Jammu. Though the International Golf Course in the Sidhra area will give boost to the Golf Tourism in this area, much still needs to be done to develop this area to its full potential:
a.) Tawi river front and artificial Lake project coming up will add to the grandeur of Jammu City and act as a magnet for the tourist. Our LG Sh. Manoj Sinha jihas pursued these projects vigorously to give Jammuites a befitting gift soon.
b.) Tawi walkways along the bank of the Tawi River from Old Tawi Bridge to SidhraBridge needs to be developed alongwith the Tawi River front. This walkway should be properly lighted and also havingthe provision to run the Open Horse Drawn “Victoria” as is prevalent in Mumbai and Kolkata.
c.) Mahamaya City forest: This requires a lot of work to develop it into a tourist attraction for Serenity and Spirituality on the lines of 5 Senses Gardenof New Delhi. Proper planned plantation of trees; lighted walkways and look-out points with a cafeteria, eating point and proper washroom facilities is the need to ensure tourists throng this place.
d.) Amusement and Theme Park Sidhra -This needs to be developed adjacent to the Golf course. The Forest deptt in connivance with local police is allowing encroachers onto this land but refuse to give clearance to the establishment of an Amusement Park here. We request intervention by LG so that all clearances are granted for this project at the earliest which would go a long way to help the Hotels & Business establishments by increasing footfalls in Jammu City.
e.) Mubarak Mandi Complex – Though the conservation works for this center piece of Dogra History and Culture have started, it must be ensured that this project is finished in a time bound manner as per the decision of the Governing Body under Governor Malik.
f. ) Manda Safari and Sanctuary needs to be developed into a proper nature reserve with scientific planning. The present set up requires a lot to be done in terms of the enclosures, walkways, plantation and also the quantity and quality of animals in the enclosures.
g. ) Heritage Walk Showcasing the ancient Heritage of Jammu was conceived, designed and executed by the author during the 2007 Jammu Festival. This needs to be publicized with handouts amongst the incoming tourist andlocal public with Display Boards at prominent places in the city. The beautification of ‘Kallijani’ area within the Old City needs to be done to bring out the historical facts of this so called ‘Foundation Stone of JammuCity’.
h.) Jambu Zoo project an attraction for the incoming tourist has been allowed to slip into the cold storage. Even though much time has elapsed there appears to be no progress towards the completion of this project. If there are some genuine requirements from the prospective bidders these should be incorporated in the project and re-tendered accordingly immediately.
Border Tourism Circuit
a.) Suchetgarh and Jammu: These historical railway stations of the erstwhile Jammu – Lahore rail link need to be redeveloped. The beating of Retreat Ceremony is a very popular attraction amongst all tourists. However, the Old Jammu Railway Station- adjacent to the Kala Kendra and now being used as the RTC Yard needs to be preserved and showcased for the future generations as is the R.S. Pura Railway Station.
b.) Gharana Bird Sanctuary. This is a most happening spot for the Bird Watchers in the UT and country as a host of Migratory Birds come every winter and enjoy their stay here for 4 – 6 months. Developing this area with proper hideouts, lookouts and rest rooms with restaurants etc. would go a long way on popularizing this area and circuit.
c.) Baba Chamyal and Sidh Swankha. These are two religious places where people of all faiths come to pay obeisance. These areas should be properly developedwith road connectivity to enable the devout and pilgrims have an easy access. Baba Chamblyal Shakar (Mud), Healing properties need to be publicized as a Wellness Center all over India.
Mice Conference and Entertainment Center at Patnitop MICE – Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions are the latest forms of tourism for the Corporate World. These are already proving to be a big money earner for the South Asian countries of Malaysia and Singapore. The Govt. of India has also shown its seriousness to tap this market through the International Convention Promotion Bureau – ICPB. The unique potential of Jammu being able to offer Pilgrim, Leisure and Adventure tourism could be further exploited by developing an Ultramodern Conference and Entertainment center at Patnitop.
Forts of Jammu region
To preserve and showcase the various Forts of Jammu region right from Lakhanpur to Poonch, Bhadarwah to Kishtwar and offer them to our tourists as our Heritage sites is the need of the hour.
Leisure tourism circuits- – Development and Up-Gradation.
Jammu’s vast potential of Leisure – Pilgrim – Conference tourism has remained totally un-tapped all these years. All development that has taken place has only been in a piece meal manner without taking into consideration the priority and need of first developing one circuit with all the complete facilities and then taking up the others one by one. The necessary infrastructure also needs to be developed to enable the tourist to come and enjoy the place.
Toilets and Rest rooms :
All the tourist destinations – Jammu, Katra, Patnitop, Kud, Batote, Bhadarwah, Kishtwar, Basholi, Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu Province alongwith the other places in Jammu Province need to have adequate toilets and rest rooms to take care of the needs of the tourist and also protect the environment from pollution.
Development of road network and opening new tourist spots:
Jammu region has beauty which has remained un-explored only due to reasons that the road connectivity to these places has not taken place even after 75years of Independence. A concerted effort is required by the Central and UT Govt. with advice from tourism department to ensure that the following projects are put in the plan works of the various departments and the existing roads upgraded alongwith new areas opened up to the tourist. It appears that the road Patnitop – Sanasar is indeed no one’s baby as it has never been made suitable for all weather light motor vehicular traffic. This road should be properly upgraded and strengthened so as to make it an all weather road. The other roads need to be developed are:
a. Nathatop – Sanasar – Pancheri road.
b. Bhadarwah – Chamba road needs to be fully completed.
c. Basholi – Bani – Bhaderwah road
d. Sanasar – Batote.
e. Chenani – Sudhmahadev – Mantalai.
f. Patnitop – Karlah – Gaurikund.
g. R.S.Pura – Gharana – Baba Chamlayal.
Along-with the above new Trekking areas need to be opened now for tourists in Doda – Kishtwar and Bhadarwah and other lesser-known places and put on the tourist maps.
The leisure circuits that need upgradation are:
Patnitop: Patnitop is a great Weekend Getaway Circuit for the entire North India. Its uniqueness is that this area is the only place in the country which can be developed as an ideal site for Weekend Skiing, Trekkingalongwith Leisure and Eco Tourism.
Sanasar.
Sanasar can rightly be called the neglected tourist spot whose potential has not even been explored. Though SANASAR has more potential than ‘ KHAJJIAR’ the latter has been made famous all over the country by the H.P. Govt. and receives a thousand times more tourists than Sanasar. Sanasar has the added advantage of having the best beginners slope for ‘Para Gliding’ thus giving it an added potential for a marketable destination.
Mansar, Surinsar Lakes, Babbor and other areas.
The recent announcement by GOI for the development of Mansar – Surinsar Lakes and Babboris a welcome step towards development of these areas. Apart from the above, the following circuits also need to be developed & be opened for tourist access:
a.) Sanasar – Panchari – Krimchi circuit. The approach road from Road head to Krimchi Temples needs immediate construction alongwith shrub clearance of the entire area. Proper signage is also required to identify these ancient temple ruins.
b.) Udhampur – Ramnagar – Dudu – Basantgarhcircuit. Here too the road network needs to be upgraded so that tourists can reach the Ramnagar Fort and Dudu – Basantgarh region easily.
c. ) Basholi – Bani – Sarthal circuits.
Poonch and surroundings :
Poonch area has virgin beautiful natural beauty which is has never been laid eyes on by any tourist till now. As the Mughal road has opened up this area in a big way the area of twin districts Rajouri and Poonch need to be brought on the tourist map. The numerous Sarai’s and Forts on this route need to be preserved and showcased properly by repair, maintenance and lighted up at night. The following areas and circuits need to be developed and a comprehensive plan should be put in place now itself:
a. Buddha Amarnath
b. Seven Lakes Valley also called “Mystery Lakes”.
c. Baffliaz.
d. Dera – Ki – Gali.
e. Tatapani & Noori Chamb circuit.
Bhaderwah and Kishtwar
Aptly called “Chotha Kashmir” this area has the potential of attracting all and sundry with its captivating natural beauty and good climate. The road and communication infrastructure needs to be developed so as to attract the investments in hotels for the tourist. The Bhadarwah Development Authority has done a good work till now but this momentum needs to be kept up to enable this area to come on the tourist map. The Fort needs to be preserved and cleared of police personnel and open it to the public.
Kishtwar is a nature’s paradise and needs to be developed into a holistic Adventure and Leisure area. Both these places Homestay need to be encouraged and locals should be trained for this. The Homestay program has definitely helped in providing inexpensive and clean accommodation to the tourist. A list of all these Homestay should be uploaded on the tourism web site & also be disseminated to entire Travel Fraternity. Jai Valley is another ideal place to develop Snow Skiing facilities.
Sarthal – Bani and Basholi
This picturesque area of Jammu Division has been totally ignored and its beauty has been kept hidden from the tourist till now. The road infrastructure is being upgraded by the Central Govt and soon this area will be easily accessible. The “Atal Setu” has ensured people from neighbouring states of Punjab and Himachal are visiting this place. Immediate requirement is in creating adequate tourist facilities. This region being adjacent to Himachal Pradesh will draw numerous tourists from the cities of Dalhousie and Dharmshala if only the road connectivity is improved. Basholi Paintings, Shawls and its Unique “Ramlila” need to be highlighted as added attractions to this place.
Pilgrim Tourism Development in Jammu.
Though the main attraction of Jammu province is the Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji there are other places of religious interest which need to be developed and publicized for the pilgrim tourist to be made aware of the religious potential of this area. The efforts of Tourism department in making adequate infrastructure and publicizing the various spots has been an effort in this direction but the development of roads, medical and communication facilities need to be doneby the Govt in the following areas. These circuits also need to be adequately publicized to ensure that there is an increased awareness amongst the pilgrims who throng Jammu throughout the year :-
a.) Shivaite Circuit:-Purmandal – Utterbeni – Budha Amarnath – Shivkhori – Siharh Baba – Baba Dhansar – Sudh Mahadev – Mantali – Peer Kho – PanchBhaktar Temple. (Shri Amarnath can be included during the Amarnath Yatra)
b.) Mata Vaishno Circuit : – KolKondoli (Nagrota) – Devi Mai (Nomain) – Mata Vaishno Devi (Katra) – Nau Pindi.
c.) Budhist Circuit: – Ambaran – Leh.
d.) Sikhism Circuit:-Nangloi Sahib Gurudwara (Poonch) – Patthar Sahib (Ladakh) ChattiPadshai (Srinagar – Baramulla – Uri) – Banda Singh Bahdur (Reasi).
e.) Shahdra Sharief and other Peers in Jammu region.
f.) Sarthal Devi Yatra.
g.) Kailash and Machial Yatra.
With greater publicity and up-gradation of facilities the pilgrim traffic could also be diverted to these areas after visiting the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. The Shivaite circuit of Purmandal – Utterbeni – Budha Amarnath – Shivkhori – Siharh Baba – Baba Dhansar – Sudh Mahadev – Mantali – Peer Kho – PanchBhaktar Temple, needs to be adequately publicized to ensure that there is an increased awareness amongst the pilgrims so that they include this circuit in their annual Shri Amarnath Yatra.
Adventure Tourism Development
Jammu region has a vast potential for Adventure sports and this potential only needs adequate publicity to be tapped.
Jammu is a region less explored and least exploited for its tourism potential all these years due to the apathy of ruling dispensation. The Tourism Deptt has to plan its activities to ensure that the potential of this region is fully exploited by keeping the above points in mind.
(The author is President Travel Agents Association of Jammu and Past Chairman Indian Association of Tour Operators J&K Chapter)
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