Tahir Mushtaq
JAMMU, Oct 8: Notwithstanding tall claims of the state government to develop tourist spots in Jammu region, the pathetic condition of the famous tourist spot Mansar Lake near Samba is one such glaring example of official apathy.
One of the major attraction for tourists and pilgrims, Mansar Lake has been the worst sufferer due to step motherly treatment by the concerned authorities.
The Lake which has religious sanctity also is thronged by large number of devotees both within and outside the state regularly.
But due to government’s casual approach the lake is losing its importance gradually.
The condition of roads which connects the area with different parts of the state are also not is good condition this is also one main reason due to which tourists avoid to visit there.
Locals said that in Mansar there is an old fort which too is in bad condition.
They also said that there the decrease in the water level in the lake is one of the major concerns adding that the lawns are also in bad condition as these are filled with garbage.
The government has appointed many employees to look after the lawn and other things but nobody is bothered or even concerned to maintain these lawns.
The people also allege that the newly upgraded Pakka Path around the Lake is broken and shattered and present an ugly look.
Source said that the government also planned to formulate comprehensive conservation projects for Lake of Mansar with a special focus on the restoration of the habitats and expansion of green cover in the surroundings of the two prestigious water bodies.
“And the government has sanctioned a huge amount of money for the said project, but nothing has been done in this regard so far” said the source.
Sources also said that Saruinsar-Mansar Development Authority (SMDA) which has been set up by Government lacks technical expertise. No environment engineers, wetland conservation experts or other technical persons required for the purpose have been deployed.
The major focus is being given on rising of certain viewpoints surrounding the lakes and construction of pacca foot paths or development of parks for attracting tourism.
Broken roads, which pose the biggest hindrance to the entire tourism potential in the region, characteristically mark the negative aspect of the tourist destination.
The lake is situated around 40 km in the south of Udhampur town on the Udhampur-Samba road, while it is also linked with Jammu city by a 62- km road.
The road stretch from Samba to Mansar up to Battal Morh is in bad shape having potholes and streams of boulders and dirt. The road is dug up at several places. It has not been black topped for the past several years.
Like Surinsar in the vicinity, it is the habitation of seasonal birds, tortoise and fish of different species. It has a wildlife sanctuary housing spotted deer, neelgai, besides other water birds such as cranes and ducks.
“Poor road network is hindering free influx of tourists,” said an employee of the tourism department, adding that only urgent repair and metalling can put an end to the travelling woes.
“Due to the deplorable condition of roads, the transporters are also facing a lot of loss as their vehicles develop unwanted problems,” he added.
When contacted Chief Executive Officer, SMDA, Mohinder Singh said that to attract more and more tourists the department has send some proposals for the tourism related infrastructures.
He further said that the department is on work to develop Mansar with every possible effort adding that the role of the SMDA is to create the infrastructure for tourism and to attract the tourists.
However, Singh added that the Mansar Lake is not come under their judiciary, and Wildlife department looks after it.
Whereas the road connectivity comes under Road and Building (R&B) Department of Samba.
Talking to TNI, Executive Engineer R&B Department, L K Mattoo said that the department has sent the proposal to the state government for the re-construction of Mansar road, as we got the approval we will start work on it.
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