Hakeem rues dismal performance of Tossamaidan, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg TDAs

Srinagar: Chairman Peoples Democratic Front ( PDF )and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has expressed his anguish over the poor performance of tourism development authorities TDAs of Tossamaidan ,Doodhpathri and Yusmarg which were constituted in 2004 but failed to build required tourism infrastructure at these places. He also said that 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 unscrupulous 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 collected at three points from incoming tourists at Doodhpathri ,“ Hakeem said adding that TDA should immediately do away with this wrong practice which overburdens the visitors.
In a statement issued on Wednesday ,Hakeem while flaying tourism authorities at Tossamaidan ,Doodhpathri and Yusmarg for their 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 enchantment for the visiting tourists. He said if the Government would not improve basic facilities at these tourist places , it could lead to a decline in the tourist arrivals thereby affecting livelihood of the local populace . “ Building adequate tourist infrastructure at Tossamaidan ,Doodhpathri and Yusmarg to ensure better tourist influx was imperative to provide livelihood to the local people ,“ Hakeem maintained while urging the Government especially Tourism department to reactive 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 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.