STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Keeping in view the significance of hospitality and tourism sector, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI) emphasised that numerous places of attraction for tourists since centuries Budda Amarnath, Shadara Shaarief and Nagali Sahib Gurudwara need to be developed, popularised and brought on the tourist and pilgrimage map of the country.
Briefing media persons here on Wednesday, Treasurer HRANI, Garish Oberoi said “Tourism is the mainstay of the Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile economy and a vital source of employment. The Jammu and Kashmir has various potential sites which are unexplored. Development of these sites will attract tourists in large number.” “The possibility of creating an artificial lake on river Tawi can be developed below the bridge near Bahu Fort to attract tourists in the State twin lakes of Mansar and Surinsar can serve as best tourism resorts, the holy spots of Purmandal and Uttervehni historic Ragnunath Temple having rich store of library, rare ancient manuscripts, Jamvant Gufa, Peer Babas can be developed to give exposure,” he added.
“The Jammu Ropeway and Gandofa Chair Car between Mubarak Mandi and Mohamaya and across Tawi Bridge will provide a temptation for the Vaishno Devi pilgrims and which can also be planned from Patnitop to Kud,” he added.
“Tourism which stands recognised as an Industry in the year 1995 is still deprived of relevant concessions. Tourism should be declared ‘Industry with full industrial benefits’ regarding water, power, interest subsidy, unit subsidy, stamp duty etc. The new industrial policy and package of incentives be implemented and made available under substantial expansion and up- gradation to the existing infrastructure of the hotels,” he demanded.
An effective and comprehensive tourism policy has become imperative to boost and guide overall planned and organised growth of tourism industry particularly in respect of its promotion, infrastructure building and environment etc. Therefore, while formulating State Tourism Policy or granting any incentive to the industry, the allocation of funds for promotion of tourism should be extended to the entire State. “The hospitality sector of the State which is the main sector of tourism industry and certain to the State’s economy has come to the verge of complete closure due to the in-ability in fulfilling certain parameters as per the guidelines set by SPCB in compliance of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 1974 and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 without taking into account the State’s ground realities. The SPCB should be asked to modify and relax its guidelines and should allow hotels/guest houses in the Valley to operate to the extent of their full room strength,” he added.
HRANI demanded that the hotel and restaurant industry should also be granted a complete tax holiday in respect of VAT, Service Tax or any other tax, for at least five years till tourism restores to its pristine glory. President HRANI, Sanjay Sood, Honorary Secretary, Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, Secretary General Renu Thapliyal and Honorary Joint Secretary R.D Anand were also present.
