Budgam, June 16: Chairman Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Front (JKPDF) Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Friday he was disturbed over reports about fleecing and harassing of tourists by touts at Doodhpathri and other tourist places.
Seeking adequate measures for the safety of the visitors, Yaseen said fleecing of tourists was bound to bring a bad name to the tourist industry. He said strict action needs to be taken against unscrupulous elements indulging in fleecing and harassing of tourists.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem said 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 should take stringent action against the touts.
“Though it was encouraging that the tourist footfall to Kashmir has increased manifold this year, bringing cheers among the people, unfortunately, the unscrupulous elements were playing the spoilsport,” he said, adding, “The tourism department should launch vigorous drive against the touts at various tourist destinations.”
He said the 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,” the senior politician said.
He said better tourist arrival was imperative for the economic wellbeing of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and urged the stakeholders to take care of the interests of tourists alongside earning their livelihood.
The PDF leader also urged the government to develop Yusmarg-Doodhpathr -Gulmarg tourist circuit on a priority basis to harness optimum tourism potential in the area. “The development of the tourist circuit was pivotal for the socio-economic transformation of the Khansahib and adjacent areas. The government must improve basic tourism infrastructure at Doodhpathri as the existing facilities were short of meeting the basic requirements of the visitors thronging the tourist resort,” he said.
He said due to the non-availability 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,” he added.
