Merely concept notes of projects prepared; nothing visible on ground
Grossly inadequate manpower for maintenance of assets
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Oct 4: Much to the disappointment of people, the Government is promoting tourism in Jammu region only on papers as concept notes and plans about the projects prepared long time back have failed to become reality because of non-seriousness at every level. Moreover, there is no adequate manpower at the disposal of Directorate even for routine maintenance of assets and some engineers, who have developed the vested interests, are calling the shots.
After regular intervals, the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is issuing statements that Jammu region has the potential to become preferred tourist destination and all out efforts are being made for growth and development of tourism sector.
Further, it is claimed that more tourism potential spots are being identified across Jammu region in order to create requisite infrastructure and facilities so that employment opportunities are created and economy of the region is improved.
“However, the ground reality is altogether different and tourism in Jammu region is being promoted only through statements and paper work”, official sources told EXCELSIOR while disclosing that much talked about Rs 198 crore worth Mansar Rejuvenation and Development Plan has yet not been formally sanctioned by the Government of India.
In the meanwhile, the J&K Government made up its mind to create floating jetties, improve parking area and install bio-toilets at Mansar and accordingly Rs 9.8 crore out of the CAPEX Budget was earmarked for the same. However, this project is also passing through procedural formalities despite lapse of considerable period of time, sources further informed.
From time to time, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and his Advisor Baseer Ahmed Khan, who is looking after the affairs of the Tourism Department, issued directions to the officers for exploring the possibility of adventure sports, hiking, camping and mountain biking in Mansar area. However, nothing has been done on ground till date, they said, adding “the Directorate of Tourism Jammu claims that these aspects will be taken care of under Mansar Rejuvenation and Development Plan once the same is officially approved by the Government of India”.
“Further, the Government is repeatedly claiming that Basohli area has huge potential of becoming the finest tourist centre but practically nothing has been done till date”, sources said while disclosing that a plan of Rs 14 crore for construction of eco-huts in Sarthal-Basohli area was prepared and submitted to the J&K Government in the past but the approval is still awaited.
On numerous occasions, the Government claimed that four projects for creation of tourist facilities near Ranjit Sagar dam, development of catchment area of Baglihar dam near Batote, river rafting and allied facilities at Baradari in Reasi and establishment of amusement park near Jambu Zoo near Nagrota have been prepared and submitted to the Government of India for funding.
“However, there is no further development and it is claimed by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu that it was just the concept plan and Detailed Project Reports are yet to be prepared”, sources said, adding “all this clearly indicates that tourism in Jammu region is being promoted only in the official statements and practically nothing is being done in this regard”.
What to talk of translating these concept notes and plans into reality, the Directorate of Tourism Jammu doesn’t have adequate manpower for routine maintenance of existing assets and completion of ongoing projects.
This can be gauged from the fact that there is only one Executive Engineer and few Junior Engineers while as there is no Assistant Executive Engineer and Draftsman. One Vijay Kumar, a Junior Engineer is holding the post of Assistant Executive Engineer despite the fact that he has not passed the relevant exam of the AICTE.
Even Principal Secretary to the Government, Public Works Department Shailendra Kumar early this year had in a detailed order mentioned that Vijay Kumar could not produce the B.Tech Degree before the department in response to a notice as such his claim for inclusion of name among Degree Holders was found devoid of merit for acceptance. “Despite all this, he is calling the shots in the Directorate for his close proximity with higher ups”, sources said, adding “some officers in the Administrative Department also supporting him in fulfillment of his designs”.
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