Dear Editor,
Atal Setu over river Ravi is not only a bridge which provides connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir with other states of the country but a gateway to the world of tourism located in different parts of the State. Due to lack of further connectivity with other tourist spots of Basohli, Bani and Bhaderwah the visitors from other states feel contented when they stand on the 650 meter long cable stayed bridge. Atal Setu is unique structure in terms of its style, design and architecture and has emerged as a tourist spot in itself. Tourists from the neighboring states visit Atal Setu daily. Both the sides of the Setu are lined with vehicles of the tourists. The crowd of the visitors watch the pre wedding and post wedding shots, of the bride and the grooms, with the help of drone cameras. The Atal Setu is a place which everyone likes to have family photograph and the selfies by the friends circle of the youth. The evenings over Atal Setu are very charming due to the cool breeze which keeps blowing continuously the whole day. The visitors from the nearby destinations enjoy the evenings till 9:00 PM even in the dark. It is pertinent to mention here that Atal Setu was completely electrified before it was finally handed over to GREF but due to the negligence of the district administration, LSDA and the Tourism Department of the state, the Atal Setu is lost into dark when the night falls, which compels the tourists grope in the dark and guess the beauty of the lake. The local administration and Deputy Commissioner Kathua was apprised and approached for managing the lights of Atal Setu from 7 to 10:00 PM till some permanent arrangements for lighting made in future. The genuine request was heeded to by the DC with the assurance to direct the concerned quarter to switch the lights of Atal Setu on from 7 to 10: PM in the interest of the tourists. The lights on the Setu during evening hours can sustain and enhance the number of tourists daily. The matter is important according to the tourists point of view.
Shiv Kumar Padha
Basohli
