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J&K fails to secure Central funds for tourism projects in Jammu 7/22/2015 11:52:08 PM Bijay Charak Early Times Report Jammu, July 22: The state government, which boasts about promoting tourism, has failed to secure funds from the Centre for several tourism-related projects in Jammu division, which were sanctioned two years ago. In fiscal year 2012-13, the Centre had sanctioned several projects under the product infrastructure development for destination and circuits scheme for J&K. The projects included development of Sansar lake, construction of tourism cafeteria at Nathatop, construction of toilet block and view point at Nathatop and Sanasar. The estimated cost was Rs 3 crore and 23 lakh, sources in the Tourism Department told Early Times. They said the Centre released last installment of Rs 1.93 crore for Patnitop Tourism Development Authority in 2013-14 and since then no money has been released for completion of the projects. Another project was sanctioned for development of tourism information at Mansar Jammu by Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore and 55 lakhs. But the Centre was yet to release the remaining Rs 91 lakh. Integrated development of tourism circuit Darphal as base camp and Shakermarg as gateway to the tourism destination on Pir Panjal range was sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore and 98 lakh. But only Rs 1 crore, 19 lakh has been released. Sources said that due to non-availability of funds, all the projects are hanging in balance for two years now. "It seems the state government is not interested to promote tourism in Jammu," they said. Baldev Sharma, a travel agent, attributed low tourist arrivals in Jammu region to lack of infrastructure. "Government and its tourism wing lacked the will to promote Jammu and Kashmir on the tourism map of India", he said. Commissioner Secretary to Tourism and Culture Department Shailendra Kumar did not return calls from Early Times.   Share This News with Your Friends on Social Network     Comment on this Story

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