In a strongly worded statement, Janta Dal (United) President G.M. Shaheen on Tuesday accused the Jammu & Kashmir administration of allowing the region’s tourism infrastructure to “collapse beyond recognition,” saying governance in the sector has “slipped into a deep coma.”
Shaheen said the government has replaced real development with “publicity gimmicks,” leaving the state’s most vital economic sector to deteriorate.
“Tourism Cannot Survive on Glamour Shots”
Criticising what he described as the administration’s superficial promotion tactics, Shaheen said tourism in J&K is being reduced to “glamour shots and digital pretence.”
“A genuine tourism economy is built on functional roads, reliable facilities, hygiene and safety. Today, J&K offers none of these,” he asserted. He pointed to broken approach roads, neglected tourist circuits, chaotic traffic corridors, damaged signboards, abandoned adventure routes and neglected heritage sites as signs of institutional failure.
Sector in “Freefall”
Calling the situation “a sector in freefall,” the JDU leader said that everyone associated with tourism — including hoteliers, transporters, artisans and tour guides — is suffering due to the government’s inaction.
“Tourism in J&K is not merely struggling; it is collapsing. Yet the government behaves as though criticism is the problem,” he said, warning that the Union Territory is rapidly losing credibility as tourists compare its crumbling infrastructure with better-managed destinations in the rest of India.
Demands for Immediate Action
Shaheen urged the administration to launch a comprehensive revival plan focused on professional management, modern infrastructure, strict cleanliness measures and scientific tourism development.
“Tourism is the heartbeat of Jammu & Kashmir. When the heartbeat weakens, the entire body suffers,” he said, urging the government to “awaken” before further damage is done.
The statement was issued by the Press Secretary, Office of President G.M. Shaheen, Janta Dal (United), J&K.
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