Hakeem calls for curbing menace of fleecing tourists by touts,Seeks upgradation of facilities at Yusmarg ,Doodhpathri ,Tossamaidan resorts.

Khansahib (Budgam)|June,16 :Feeling disturbed over reports about fleecing and harassing of tourists by touts at Doodhpathri and other tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir , Chairman Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Front ( JkPDF) Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has sought adequate measures for safety of the visitors. He said fleecing of tourists was bound to bring bad name to the tourist industry adding that strict action needs to be taken against unscrupulous elements indulging in fleecing and harassing of the tourists .
In a statement issued on Friday Hakeem said that reports about fleecing of tourists by unscrupulous elements at various touris resorts including Doodhpathri were disturbing adding that the tourism department and law enforcement agencies have failed to curb the menace despite being informed , time and again , about the menace by the stakeholders. He said Doodhpathri Development Authority DDA should take stringent action against the touts .
“ Though it was encouraging that the tourist footfall to Kashmir has increased manifolds this year , bringing cheers among the people but unfortunately the unscrupulous elements were playing the spoil spot,Hakeem Yaseen said, adding therein that the tourism department should launch vigorous drive against the touts at various tourist destinations .He said safety and security of tourists was paramount. “ Tourists are our esteemed guests and ambassadors and they should return to their homes happily with sweet memories , not with a bitter taste ,“ senior politician maintained.
Hakeem said that better tourist arrival was imperative for economic well being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir ,Hakeem Yasen urged the stakeholders to take care of the interests of tourist also alongside earning their livelihood .
PDF leader has also urged the government to develop Yusmarg – Doodhpathri – Gulmarg tourist circuit on priority basis to harness optimum tourism potential in the area. He said development of the tourist circuit was pivotal for socio – economic transformation of the Khansahib and adjacent areas. He has also urged the government to improve basic tourism infrastructure at Doodh pathri adding that the existing facilities were short of meeting the basic requirements of the tourists thronging to this tourist resort. He said in absence of internet and telecommunication facility at Doodhpathri ,tourists were facing tremendous difficulties . “ Likewise, scarce power supply , absence of adequate lavatory blocks , restaurants ,boarding and lodging were other grey areas which need to be improved on priority basis, Hakeem added۔