Srinagar, July 04 (KNS): Chairman Peoples Democratic Front ( PDF )and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has expressed his anguish over the poor prformance of tourism development authories TDAs of Tossamaidan ,Doodhpathri and Yusmarg which were constituted in 2004 but failed to build required tourism infrastruction at these places He said though a large number of tourists were inclined to visit these virgin tourist spots but get disappointed after confronting lack of adequate facilities there. He said tourism department has also failed to rationalise rates for ponny wallas at these tourist places to check fleecing of tourist by the unscrupulos elements. Similarly , entry tickets at these places have been fixed at the sweet will of bidders ,causing shock for incoming tourists. “ One is unable understand why entry fees is colllected at three points from incoming tourists at Doodhpathri ,“ Hakeem Yaseen said adding TDA should immediately do away with this wrong practice which overburdens the visitors.
In a statement issued on Wednesday ,Hakeem Yaseen while flaying tourism authories at Tossamaidan ,Doodhpathri and Yusmarg for thier failure to buit tourist infrastructure for convenience of the tourists said that these authorities exist on papers only. He said condition of roads and power supply at these tourist places was worst ever which becomes the cause of dienchanment for the visiting tourists.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said if the Goverment would not improve basic facilities at these tourist places , it could lead to a decline in the tourist arrivals therby affecting livelihood of the localpopulace . “ Building adequate tourist infrastructur at Tossamaidan ,Doodhpathri and Yusmarg to ensure better tourist influx was imperative to provide livelihood to the local people ,“ Hakeem Yaseen maintained while urging the Government especially Tourism department to reactivte these tourism development authorities.
PDF Chairman also demanded construction of Gandola project and Golf course at Doodhpathri which stand approves since 2006 . He said these projects would enhance the recreational facilities for the tourists and would also enhance livelihood opportunities for the locals. Likewise , Gondola project from Nilnag - Yusmarg and Dragtollan was also surveyed and approved but the concerned authorities have put these vital tourist projects into back burner. Hakeem Yaseen has demanded posting of dedicated officers as CEOs of these TDAs who shall have track record of tourism background so that these authorities could be revitalised. (KNS)