Thakur Sher Singh, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop Development Authority talks to The News Now about one of the most visited destinations of Jammu region, Patnitop Circuit. In this excerpt, he shares upcoming developments and initiatives for this beautiful tourist destination. Read On.
Please tell us about Patnitop Development Authority.
The Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) came into existence on 26th March 1992 under the aegis of J&K Development Act 1970 vide SRO-69. The jurisdiction of PDA is spread over an area of 492 Sq. Kms, spreading over two districts of Jammu Division, namely Udhampur and Ramban and four Tehsils, namely Udhampur, Ramnagar, Chenani & Batote.
The area has several tourist destinations such as Patnitop, Kud, Sanasar, Batote, Sudh Mahadev, Gouri Kund, Mantalai, Basantgarh, Dudu, and so on. Approximately 4-6 lakh tourists visit this circuit annually, and during the peak season, nearly 1000 to 1200 footfall is recorded in a day. To cater to these tourists, Patnitop Circuit has 60 hotels or guest houses, or in other words, we have a bed capacity of around 2200.
As per the Master Plan, the area has been divided into three sub-circuits viz. Sub-circuit A ‘Kud-Patnitop-Sanasar’, Sub-circuit B ‘Gourikund-Sudh Mahadev-Devak-Mantalai’, and Sub-circuit C ‘Dhuna-Latti-Dudu-Basantgarh’. These sub-circuits have been divided on the base of physical proximity, accessibility and prevalent trends of tourism in order to achieve an effective and phased development of the plan.
To talk of the achievements of PDA, we can cite Skyview Patnitop Ropeway, Solid Waste Convertor, Underground Power Cabling at Patnitop, Cafeteria at Sudh Mahadev, Restaurant with washroom at Nathatop, Views Points, Washrooms, Sitting Benches, Kiosks, Development of Sanasar Lake, Illumination, Un-interruptible power supply to Patnitop, Circular Road Patnitop, Paths, Drains and so on.
How do you plan to attract tourists to this famous hill destination circuit post COVID19?
COVID19 has unprecedently impacted the local tourism industry since its outbreak, leading to adverse impact on tourist footfall, stakeholders and local economy.
As we gradually open up to the tourists with strict adherence to COVID Appropriate Behavior, we hope to mitigate the pandemic aftermath to some extent. Private Hotels, Guest Houses are offering discounts to invite and attract more tourists. Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation, also, is offering 50% discount on accommodation & huts. Moreover, adventure sports activities like All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) ride tours, Zipline, Zorbing, Bungee Jumping, Magic Carpet etc. have been introduced at Patnitop for the entertainment of tourists.
What are the upcoming infrastructural developments in and around Patnitop.
Two major projects are in the offing, viz Integrated Development of tourist facilities at Mantalai and Sewerage Treatment Plant at Patnitop.
An alternative approach to tourism, eco tourism, is being hailed as a comprehensive policy. How is PDA going about it?
Major area of Patnitop Development Authority, particularly at Patnitop, falls under the Forest Department. PDA has planned a number of projects to be taken up as part of the eco-tourism initiative, which include construction of paths, construction of eco-cafeteria, eco-huts, eco-kiosks in collaboration with the Forest Department. Besides, trekking routes are also being explored.
Sanasar Lake
A pressing question from the people of Jammu – region’s first Tulip garden at Sanasar did not have tulips this year. Why?
Due to the COVID restrictions and non availability of tulip seed / planting material at the time of plantation, the Horticulture Department could not sow or plant tulips. However, they planted Lilium flowers, which bloomed fully and beautifully, adding beauty to Sanasar Lake.
What tourism activities are we looking forward this year in the Patnitop Circuit?
Jammu Tourism Department and PDA are going to organize Summer Festival at Patnitop in the coming months which will include inter alia cultural performances, local recreational activities, and adventure activities. Further, a cycle marathon has also been proposed to be organized at Patnitop. We hope to have a good, eventful year ahead.
Also: Read my article at The News Now
PDA to promote eco tourism, organize summer festival
Published in The News Now on 14th July, 2021
waliaharry 