As the year 2020 draws to a close, we look back at major tourism stories of the year, marking a tumultuous period of ups and downs.
January
- One of the two youngest Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir displayed its flagship program ‘Back to Village’, and celebrated local arts and crafts in the form of tableau at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Talking particularly of Jammu region, exquisite Basohli Paintings, panoramic landscapes of the primaeval town of Basohli such as the architectural marvel called Atal Setu, and Ranjit Sagar Lake were exhibited.
- In the same month, Directorate of Tourism Jammu was granted permission by Chief Engineer, Ravi Tawi Irrigation Complex for operating paddle boats in Ujh Barrage in Kathua district. It was hoped that with the introduction of boats, a new facet will be added to already aquite famous spot, and generate employment for the local youth. Sadly, the boats have not touched the waters. The barrage, with Jasrota wildlife sanctuary nearby, was commissioned in 1980-81 for irrigation facilities for the local farmers. It is also the site for a national-level multipurpose project catering to hydropower, irrigation and drinking needs – first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir.
February
- Mukti Society, a Jammu based NGO, showed the way forward as it reached the 34th International Surajkund Mela held in Faridabad, Haryana, to breathe life into the dying art of making enticing products out of ‘parali’ such as chappals, binna, pattu, chataayi etc. Women artisans and Sarpanch of the village accompanied Nidhi Sharma, Founder and Chairperson, Mukti Society, to live demonstrate the craft and learn nuances of marketing. Even as first time participant, Parali Craft won the Kala Nidhi award.
- Taking note of the increasing popularity of water-based adventure activities in Jammu region, the government of J&K Union Territory allowed the placing of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) rescue boats with HP 75 OBM at three of the prominent tourist destinations, namely, Ranjit Sagar Lake and Mansar Lake, besides the mighty Chenab River.
- The event lull that hit Directorate of Tourism Jammu after Navratri festival at Katra held during September-October 2019 ended with Maha Shivratri Mela being organized at Shiv Khori, Reasi and Peerkho, Jammu, during February, 2020.
- Bani Basohli Development Authority had envisaged a zipline to enable tourists to glide across the blue waters of the creek, view the Ranjit Sagar Lake, Chanchalo Devi Temple and Basohli Fort, and invited tenders for the same. The project is yet to see the light of the day.
March
- To give a glimpse of various destinations of Jammu division with huge potential for religious, leisure, heritage, border and adventure tourism, Directorate of Tourism, Jammu held roadshows in Vijaywada, Bhopal, and Varanasi in association with Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Alliance (JKTA), Jammu Association of Tour Operators (JATO), and Travel Agents Association of Jammu (TAAJ) respectively. However, with the COVID19 outbreak playing a spoilsport in the promotional campaign of the already floundering tourism department, the remaining roadshows set to cover the cities of Mysore, Kochi, Baroda, Patna, and Puri were postponed.
- A month after The News Now carried a story titled “Mubarak Mandi: Time-bound restoration a sham”, the Jammu and Kashmir government finally gave approval to release Rs 65 Crores – which was announced in November 2018 – besides initiating the tendering process for sub projects of Mubarak Mandi Restoration Master Plan. Contrariwse, a portion of the Gole Ghar building of the Palace Complex collapsed proving the sincerity (or lack of it) on the part of the authorities working on preserving the monument.
May
- Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Khan directed for constitution of a progress review committee to periodically analyze the progress of ongoing restoration work of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. He directed the Executive Director, MMJHS to work out a plan with regard to optimum utilization of the portions of Heritage Complex, which have been completely restored. Additionally, he directed to ready the Army Headquarters in one month for temporarily shifting of the Dogra Art Museum.
- In order to give a boost to tourism in the region after the lockdown ends, the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu had reportedly mooted the activity calendar worth Rs 573.40 Lakh for the year 2020-2021. The Department sought to celebrate Chaitra Navratra festival across the region with the same pomp and show witnessed during the Shardiya Navratra festival. Also, several fresh and surprising introductions had been made to the calendar, for instance, AERO show in Basohli, Speed Open Wall Competition in Jammu, and Paragliding at Aitham/Siara.
June
- Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K, began the restoration work of Mansar Haveli, one of the best architectural gems of Jammu region embellished with exquisite paintings, but lying precariously for several decades. This year, the amount at disposal was set at Rs 40 lakhs, which was to initiate the work.
- Forty-two feet climbing wall, first of its kind in Jammu region, constructed right next to scenic Surinsar Lake, at Nainsukh Amphitheater. This wall features surfaces for two disciplines – lead climbing (13 feet) and speed climbing (16 feet), and has provision for the third discipline – bouldering. A significant milestone in the future of Jammu region’s sport climbing and adventure tourism, the wall is named ‘Surinsar Wall’, and will host sportspersons and tourists.
July
- The hut resort built in the cool climes of Pancheri, Udhampur district under Prime Minister’s Development Package, and most likely handed over to the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, is awaiting inauguration. The hut resort, spread roughly over an area of 6000 sq ft, comprises of a Victorian-style cafeteria (1992 sq ft), a helipad, and six beautifully crafted studio log houses/huts (656 sq ft) – each with a bedroom, bathroom, living room, and verandah with pergola. It will fulfil what Pancheri yearned for years – a place where tourists can lodge.
September
- Paragliding trials successfully conducted at Pingla Mata hills, besides recce at Ladha Dhar, both of which fall in Udhampur district of Jammu division. The trials were conducted by Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh (Retd)’s ‘Tawi Adventures’, and facilitated by Udhampur District Administration. Previously, the paragliding trials were held in December 2019 in village Aitham in Surinsar area, and recce was done in Siara (halfway between Bani and Basohli, Kathua district) and Katra (Reasi district). While the feasibility of starting commercial aero adventure activities has been established at all these sites, the lackadaisical approach has delayed the progress in this regard.
- Following the mandate of Airports Authority of India to create a ‘sense of place’ within the airports, which are a gateway and often first point of contact with the destination, Jammu Airport incorporated artworks that give a spectacular glimpse of the region. The airport now proudly displays an incredible art collection – a replica model of Amar Mahal Palace, Basohli Paintings, erected sculptures of Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, a wall mural of Dogri folk dance, in addition to a wall mural of Gatha art, wall painting of Chinar Tree, embossed traditional masks of India, Chinar leaves as a wall mural and in stainless steel, and a local setup exhibit.
- World Tourism Day celebrated across all districts of Jammu division where officials, stakeholders got together to discuss achievements, issues and significance of tourism. At the main event held at Suchetgarh, RK Katoch, Director Tourism Jammu, flagged-off the “Garud Seva Open Roof Tourist Luxury Bus” which would run from TRC Jammu to Suchetgarh Border. In Reasi, the event was marked by a bike rally, beautiful Kud dance, Getru by folk artists, and screening of 3D animated movie on Wazir Zorawar Singh at historic Bhimgarh Fort.
October
- The much-awaited ropeway service in Jammu district connecting Bahu Temple-Fort to Mahamaya Temple was thrown open to the public. Section I of the project, Mahamaya Temple to Peerkho Temple, is yet to be operationalised. The project budgeted at Rs 75 Crores, was first planned in 1995 between Mubarak Mandi and Bahu Fort. With their declaration as protected monuments, the project was modified and station sites were relocated. The construction work finally started in September 2016, and was completed in 2019.
November
- Directorate of Tourism, Jammu conducted a three day trekking expedition from Sanasar to Shankhpal. The participants consisting of young adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, bloggers, vloggers, etc from within Jammu and Kashmir, and also from outside, traversed the route which is part of the world renowned trek from Pancheri to Sanasar to Patnitop to Sudh Mahadev to Mantalai, which provides spectacular views of Lesser Himalayas on one side and Greater Himalayas on the other side.
- Boating finally commenced at scenic Surinsar Lake after a gap of thirty years, giving an inviting reason for people to spend time at this Ramsar site. Locals are optimistic that along with boating, soon to be started activities like paragliding, artificial climbing wall, camping etc, will help Surinsar emerge as an independent tourist destination.
- Directorate of Tourism Jammu was set to organize a bike rally covering famous destinations like Chenani, Sudh Mahadev, Dudu, Basantgarh, Shivgali, Ramnagar, Surinsar and Mansar, from 27th to 29th November, 2020. However, due to District Development Council Elections and inclement weather, the event was put on hold.
December
- In response to public’s hue and cry, Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to LG J&K, and then Manoj Sinha, LG, himself visited Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex to inspect the ongoing restoration work. Necessary instructions were passed for expediting the process, and preservation of archival records and various components of the heritage monument.
- On the occasion of International Mountain Day, Directorate of Tourism, Jammu in association with Jammu Adventure Sports Association organized trekking on the world famous Himalayan treks of Patnitop – Sudh Mahadev via Gouri Kund, and Heritage trek from Painthal to Devi Pindian in association with Tawi Trekkers.
- A two-day festival to promote cuisines, cultures and crafts of the whole of Jammu division was organized by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism Jammu. Calico printing, Basohli paintings, Basohli Pashmina, old and ancient manuscripts, coinage, utensils, musical instruments, and pottery depicting the legacy of Duggar culture and history were showcased in the festival. Folk performances like Haran, Baakh and Kaarkaan, and folk practice of Rutt-Rahre mesmerized the audience.
- Christmas Carnival followed by Winter Carnival organized by Directorate of Tourism Jammu at snow-laden hill station of Patnitop, in a bid to boost tourist footfall and tourism activities in the region. The ongoing event, a major attraction every year for thousands of tourists, is witnessing various cultural performances, engaging activities, and delicious ethnic food.
The story of 2020, which has been like a year never before, does not end with the above mentioned tourism events. The extraordinary times of COVID19 managed to bring to fore the vulnerability of tourism industry of Jammu division in particular – caused due to certain bureaucratic forces.
- The development of Purmandal-Uttar Behni religious tourism circuit at an estimated cost of Rs 50 Crores under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) hangs in balance, with approvals and funding pending till date. Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Culture had visited the major pilgrimage centre in December 2019 and expressed concern over the dilapidated condition. He had sought Detailed Project report within 15 days. Even holy town of Katra is crying for well planned utilization of funds under the same scheme.
- Baradari in Reasi district, which has witnessed five national level rafting championships organized by Jammu Tourism Department, has recently been stripped off the permissions for commercial activities. For the first time in a decade, Reasi didn’t witness rafting for a whole year. The families of Rafting Operators and their employees depend on rafting and tourism, and with delayed registration renewals (nearly nine months), and that too, through offline mode for a few of them, they have been forced to the verge of bankruptcy.
- Jammu and Kashmir Government prepared a vision document for tourism of the Union Territory, in view of yet to be organized J&K Global Investors’ Summit. It included strengthening of tourism infrastructure, promoting investments, development of land banks, ease of doing business, public private partnerships, connectivity to tourist sites, encouraging various types of tourism potential including adventure/horticulture/sericulture/saffron/angling/cultural/golf/eco/film/heritage/religious/MICE/wellness/rural/lake/border/etc.
- Though the UT government announced financial assistance to those depending on tourism, such as, shikarawalas, houseboat owners, tourist guides, ponywalas, palkiwalas, pithuwalas, as they were severely affected during lockdown, but the primary requirement was their registration with the tourism department. In Jammu division, the number of such people is quite less for various reasons, and thus, they could not avail government grant.
All said and done, it is expected that Jammu tourism will factor in Corona and will gain full strength and steam with the customary zeal and efforts of all tourism stakeholders.
Also: Read my article at The News Now
Jammu Tourism 2020: From Turbulence to Turnaround
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