Policy Inertia leaves Pahalgam and Sonamarg craving for Tourists amid Yatra : Basharat Bukhari

Urging administration to come clean on the Policy of ensure smooth  Tourist flow in Yatra Bound Pahalgam and Sonamarg, Former Law Minister and PDP Senior leader Syed Basharat Bukhari Sunday said that " Official hindrance" and lack of SOPs Viz a Viz Tourism during Shri Amarnath Yatra has affected the Tourist footfall to a grate extent in the twin Tourist places of Pahlagam and Sonamarg.

Bukhari in a statement said, that most of the hotels and other facilities in Pahlagam are lying Vacant in absence of clear cut policy on regulating the Tourism influx in the area amid Yatra.

He said, if the Government wanted to focus only on the Yatra movement while ignoring the Tourists, then it should officially close both destinations for Tourism during the Yatra period, so that Tourists do not face inconvenience during the holy pilgrimage.

The former minister regretted that despite the availability of accommodation and other  facilities, the tourist footfall in both Pahalgam and Sonamarg was dwindling due to curbs on the movement on the pretext of area domination.

He said, either Government was not serious in devising clear SOPs for the smooth movement of Tourists or the officers and officials responsible for Yatra conduct didn't want to take much responsibilities hence hampering the Tourist movement in order to remain at ease.

According to Bukhari, whichever may be the case, the government must take the issue seriously and devise a proper strategy to facilitate both , the holy pilgrimage and Tourism .