Arfat Khan
Anantnag: Ripped and tattered road is all the state administration have in place to welcome tourists besides lakhs of pilgrims waiting for holy journey to Baba Amarnath Ji shrine.
The entire 45 kilometres of road stretch from Anantnag to Pahalgam is severely damaged reflecting the quantum of care being undertaken by the state administration for the thousands of excited tourists as well pilgrims which are contributing immensely to the economy of state in tourist season.
Conspicuous absence of street lights , night reflectors, unmarked speed breakers further reflect the apathy of concerned officers towards this world renowned tourist destination.
This is one of the heavenly place perfectly fit for summer vacations said tourist Sameer Naik, a resident of Mumbai.However, massive traffic mismanagement on Jammu -Srinagar road and deplorable road condition from Anantnag upto Pahalgam left us dejected and frown, added Naik.
Interacting with JKGN team at Pahalgam a group of tourists from Delhi expressed their worst nightmare while traveling from Jammu to Pahalgam.
First it took nearly 15 hours to reach athe Anantnag from Jammu due to traffic lockjam at several places. Then due to badly rotten road from here upto Pahalgam has left us shaken, said tourist from Delhi Neetu Sharma.
“From Udhampur upto Qazikund we are forced to remain on road due to endless traffic snarls. Astonishingly, there was no responsible person from civil and police departments visible on roads to clear the massive traffic mismanagement. Had the Army and CRPF jawans didn’t intervene it was impossible to reach at destination in a day, said another tourist Rajeev Joshi.
The tourists from length and breadth of the country throngs this place and contribute towards the economy of state and in turn the failure of state government to provide better roads reflects their attitude towards Amarnath pilgrims and tourists, asserted a tourist namely Ramaswamy Reddy.
Even the basic amenities like toilets are also not at place for the convenience of public especially women.
Roads are life line of country economy and the deplorable condition of road leading to famous tourist destination shows the level of callousness and corruption in its execution and maintainance, added Reddy.
We heard that state is under Governor administration which is doing commendable job in eradicating corruption from state. Hope, the Governor administration took serious note of this extensively damaged road patch which welcomes the tourists and pilgrims from all parts of the country, said another tourist Major Uttam Singh.
Interacting with JKGN team Mushtaq Ahmed Simnani, CEO PDA said ” Road macedimization is underway and will be completed in couple of days” For dvelopinde this place a pleasurable spot for tourists several steps have been initiated for welfare of tourists, he added.