AJHLA laments Govt apathy towards Jammu’s tourism sector, seeks revival of key projects

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 23: All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association (AJHLA) has expressed deep anguish over the continued neglect of Jammu’s tourism sector, blaming successive Governments at the Centre and erstwhile J&K state for failing to develop Jammu as an independent tourist destination since 1947.
Addressing a press conference, AJHLA president Pawan Gupta, flanked by Pritam Sharma and Baldev Raj, said tourism-linked businesses in Jammu have suffered massive setbacks due to the Government’s prolonged indifference. “Not a single major tourism project has been completed in over seven decades. Even projects launched with much fanfare remain incomplete or are progressing at an abysmally slow pace,” he stated.
Highlighting the grim economic impact, Gupta said that the extension of train services to Katra and now to Kashmir has further worsened Jammu’s economic prospects. The region’s budget hotel industry is struggling for survival with occupancy rates ranging from zero to 10 percent, leading to the permanent closure of several units. Many hotel owners have been forced to switch businesses to sustain their families and staff.
While appreciating the efforts to restore tourist confidence in Kashmir following the recent Pahalgam tragedy, Gupta lamented that no such concern or initiative was extended to Jammu. “We are not against Kashmir’s development, but Jammu is an indispensable part of the Union Territory and deserves equal attention,” he emphasized.
Gupta urged the Government to develop Jammu as a standalone tourist destination by expediting long-pending projects such as the artificial lake (started in 2009), Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Surya Putri Tawi River Front (on Sabarmati pattern), and picnic sites like Jhajjar Kotli, Ambaran Buddhist site, Jia Pota Ghat, and Sohni Mahiwal Point. He also demanded the revival of the Bagh-e-Bahu laser fountain show, Peer Kho-Mahamaya cable car service and enhancement of Jambu Zoo’s animal population.
The Association also appealed for better arrangements for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims to boost local tourism.
Other office bearers present were Anil Khajuria, H S Manhas, Swarn Singh and Varun Gupta.

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