Govt paying only lip service to tourism promotion: TAAK

The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) today accused the government of paying only lip service to the promotion of tourist destinations in Kashmir.

President, TAAK, Peerzada Faiyaz Ahmed said that while the government was making tall claims about exploring and developing new tourist destinations, in actuality it was doing nothing.

“The virgin meadow of Doodh Pathri is an example. The place has been left at the mercy of God,” he said.

The president TAAK said that about Rs 3 crore were spent on Tourist Reception Centre building at Doodh Pathri and this state-of-the-art structure is fully ready to host the officials of Doodh Pathri Development Authority (DDA). “But unfortunately the officials do not seem to be willing to shift there just because it is located at Tangnaad area 27 kms from Budgam.”

“It is strange that while the building has been left vacant, the DDA is operating from a rented building in Budgam,” he said.

“It is matter of great concern as to why the authorities spent such a huge amount on this building if they were not in a mood to operate from there?” he asked.

Meanwhile, the TAAK has appealed the government to fill the post of CEO Doodh Pathri “which is lying vacant for last over 6 months.”

The association has further appealed the government to shift the DDA office to DoodhPathri.