Dear Editor,
It is a laudable and worth appreciating initiative of worthy director Tourism ( Jammu) who broke the ice in discussing the Jammu tourism in detail during the advisory meet. According to the information available from the popular English paper daily exc. of the UT the tourist potential and prospects and future projects and proposals for water, adventure, white water rafting and other rowing events were discussed in detail, I am sure about their implementation and execution with success immediately the way and the sincerity they were discussed in detail . In this context I can’t help mentioning here that Basohli is the only place in the entire Jammu region which has got immense potential of catering for the tourists of multiple taste and temper. Basohli is gifted with multidimensional tourist potential like water, water sports, historical, eco , adventure and heritage tourism. But as the ill luck would have it Bsohli tourism has never been on the priority of the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department. No doubt the UT government has created separate Basohli Bani developmental authority with a sole duty of boosting developing tourism of the entire Basohli Bani terrain. Hats off for the natives but for whose co operation and support the Basohli tourism would have breathed its last since long. Pertinent to mention here that hundreds of the local and interstate tourists throng Basohli everyday in general and on the weekends particular with the hope to enjoy motor rides, visit Purthu beach, and take part in the water sports, have a glimpse of the magnificent world famous Basohli Palace but every time return disappointed due to the non welcoming attitude of the tourism department. It is heartening rather a matter of encouragement that the demo of the motor gliding/ sailing has been completed on the tourist spot Purthu successfully which the tourism department has been apprised about with the hope this event will add one more attractions in the long list of events of Basohli tourism soon. The tourists visit Basohli during the scorching heat of the summer and the chilling cold of the winter but it is disappointing that not to talk about providing shelter to the visitors, there is no arrangement for offering even a glass of potable water, simple cup of tea, snacks and the breakfast even. There is no vendor or any Khokha which can provide them some eatable and drink from the department. The tourists totally depend upon the co operation and sympathy of the natives, Purthu beach of its own kind in Jammu region is only a vast stretch of ground with no basic amenities at all. There is one new sort of tourism which has started at Basohli known as Pre wedding shots where the bride and the bridegroom shoot together for the wedding albums. Owing to the non availability of departmental accommodation both the bride and groom are compelled to change their dresses in the houses of the natives. It is therefore requested to pleases keep Basohli tourism on the priority list of the department and help change the inapt attitude of the tourism department to shun the discrimination with Basohli otherwise the tourism of Basohli will fade before seeing the light of the day.
Shiv Kumar Padha
Basohli