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| Tourism Deptt fails to exploit Moungari Mela potential | | Govt promises skies, on ground nothing is visible | |
SARITA JAMWAL
EARLY TIMES REPORT
UDHAMPUR, May 14: There can be no better instance of double speak and hollow intentions of the NC led coalition government in terms of what it 'avows' for tourism promotion in Jammu region. Ironical but true that Jammu still faces step motherly treatment on the ground. A matter of coincidence it may be, but only substantiates this allegation that government today decided to start air safaris for high end visitors to woo tourists to newer destinations but miserably failed to kickstart the famous Mounghari Mela in Udhampur district with zeal and fanfare it deserved.
While the government (Minister of state for tourism Nasir Aslam Wani) remained busy with the top bureaucrats of Tourism Department in holding meetings at Srinagar for novel ideas to woo high end tourists to give fillip to the tourism activity, the Moughari Mela inauguration remained a low key affair at Panchari Block of Udhampur district today . No minister, not even a senior officer of so called Mega Tourism Department could find time to declare the three day Mela open which has its religious sanctity and importance. It was inaugurated by an officer of the rank of Tehsildar Sushil Kesar, in capacity of being Mela Officer. The Mela drew an impressive crowd which the government through its press note has boasted about, saying not only the people from Bhamag, Panchari, Udhampur, Chenani, Ramnagar of Udhampur district thronged but pilgrims from far ends of Jammu also converged to participate in the Mela, which is an annual affair. They pay obeisance to Lord Shiva in a shrine with naturally engraved cave.
The scenic beauty of Panachri, Kainthgali, Moungari and entire Bhamag area of Udhampur district could be a paradise for tourists but the apathy of Tourism department has neglected entire area reasons better known to them .
Tourism in the area could be promoted in a big way particularly during this three day long Moungari Mela commencing from 14th to 16 May every year but the things on the contrary have come to a halt due to a lack of basic facilities in the area .In spite of efforts by local social worker Swatenter Dev Kotwal, Moungari Mela site and other areas of Bhamag lack even basic facilities like drinking water and electricity. The road and transport condition is so bad that overloaded bus on route can invite any untoward incident .
A single 51 kilometer long constructed to link Moungari with Udhampur is in worse condition and is only been maintained during the mela by PWD department making patch work on route . "There is no guide who can help the tourists visiting Mela Electricity is only there for about few hours a day," said Balwant Singh of village Moungari. .There is no hut at Moungri mela site to keep in pilgrims constructed by Tourism Department .
There is no security or a source of information for the tourists who come here to participate in the three day long Mela from the tourism department. "If a tourist falls ill, there is no facility of medication," said Raghav. He added that earlier tourists from different parts used to visit the place but return on a disappointed note on account of the bad conditions. In other words the Toursim Department has even failed to retain the tourists let alone having taken any measures to boost tourism .
The enchanting hills, dancing rivers, roaring waterfalls, thick and dark forests, heavy rains , innumerable varieties of flora and fauna, species of wild animals and plants, mysterious clouds, melodious folk music, thrilling dances and local Mela, , and above all its green landscape if exploited could attract thousands of people from different parts of the country particularly during Shiv Parvati Mela commencing every year during the month of May .
Tourism department has failed to explore the tourist potential of area and in the name of attracting tourists during Moungari Mela, it has 'completed' its responsibility by only giving information in news papers spending huge amounts .In the name of tourism there is no small sign board, not to speak of hoardings or banners regarding Moungri Mela on the 51 kilometres enroute from Udhampur to Moungari .
The shrine, known as Shiv Parvati Cave Shrine, having religious tourist potential is consists of two caves of approx. 20 & 25 feet long. The main attractions of the Holy Shrine are nine and half feet high naturally formed rock Shiv Lingam being guarded Shesh Nag, Joint Parvati Lingam on the left along with the Damroo beat at right, Nandi, Shankhas, Amrit Kund and countless images of other deities of Hindu religion.
Tourism has generated employment in different parts of the country. Besides creating opportunities for tourist guides, conducted tours, establishment of hotels, and so many other avenues but non seriousness of tourist department has ignored local youths of area from such avenues .Keeping in view the scenic beauty of area the Eco-tourism concept could be evolved by tourism in the area with the twin objectives of conserving environment and improving the welfare of the local people said Suriyansh Singh of Shiv Nager Udhampur
The Central Government provides huge funds to assist and organize the public Mela's in Jammu and Kashmir State. But ironically except few selected festivals, public or government organised at few already developed spots, none other is assisted or encouraged by the ruling elite who is entrusted with the duty of judicious utilization of such funds.
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