This refers to the news item about government contesting census credibility (GK, May 2). Census is the backbone for planning and formulation of all welfare programs. The Minister seems to be seeing the tourism sector of Kashmir from the Ladakh prism, where every household caters to the tourism sector. In Jammu region a large number of hotels have come up in the city along the National Highway and Katra, enabling it to cater to eighty lakh pilgrimage tourists and also to the Kashmir bound tourists. In Kashmir, there are all types of restrictions on one pretext or the other. In Jammu, huge infrastructure, including hotels, has come up along the Jammu bye pass, but there is a blanket ban on Srinagar bye pass in the name of agriculture land. It is not necessary to add to the existing infrastructure in Pahalgam and Gulmarg as there are locations like Lidder Nallah, Sindh Nallah, Ferozpore Nallah, Sukhnag Nallah and Doodganga Nallah where tourist villages can come up. These locations have water and forests which are the best attractions for the tourists. The government should play the role of a planner and regulator, and the development must go to the private players.

Er. S R S Madni
Former Secretary to J&K Government

Lastupdate on : Fri, 4 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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