Snow brings hope for Bhaderwah tourism

Ranjit Thakur

Doda, November 22

Tourists from across the country are flocking to Bhaderwah after its upper reaches received a snowfall two days ago. Tourism stakeholders are now pinning hope on winter for the revival of the sector.

As the Kailash mountain range, Asha Pati, Seoj Dhar, Chattar Gali, Goldanda, Jaie and Hanga in Bhaderwah have received snow, hoteliers and people connected with the tourism industry are upbeat and hope that the tourists will arrive in large numbers.

President, Tours and Travel Association, Bhaderwah, Tariq Choudhary said: “Tourists have already started pouring in from Mumbai, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bangalore and Delhi. We are hopeful that tourists will converge in large number this season.”

“We received moderate snowfall which is good for the tourism industry. Tourist can enjoy the snow and easily travel to snow-covered high-altitude destinations,” he said.

Expressing concern over the government’s step-motherly treatment to the tourism sector in Bhaderwah, Choudhary said: “The government has been giving preference to Kashmir and ignoring Bhaderwah. We have held a number of meetings with officials and the minister in Kashmir and Jammu to boost tourism, but nothing has happened so far.”

“Many roads leading to tourists destinations of Padri and Jaie gets blocked by heavy snowfall and it becomes difficult for us to take tourist to these places. As a result, tourists cancel their bookings and we have to suffer losses. We hope the government uses its machinery to keep the roads open in all seasons so as to boost tourism.”

A local radio anchor, Nadim Khan, said: “People of Bhaderwah connected with tourism are hopeful of a good income this winter. The mesmerising view of Bhaderwah and its snow-covered peaks are tempting people to visit but the government is not playing its part in uplifting the industry. The Bhaderwah Development Authority should focus on attracting people from Dalhousie which is just 50 km from here.”

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bhaderwah Development Authority, Bal Krishan said: “The Nashri Tunnel has increased the flow of tourists to Bhaderwah. Now schoolchildren are coming from Udhampur for a day-out in Bhaderwah which was not possible earlier because of a long distance.”

He said: “For the past few years, we have put in great efforts to attract tourists from all over the country. Around 4.5 lakh tourists visited Bhaderwah this summer. We are focusing on creating infrastructure, including a food court, in Bhaderwah, which has been a demand of visitors.”

“In the past one year, nearly 10 hotels have come up in Bhaderwah city. The day is not far when Bhaderwah will become the biggest tourist destination in the Jammu region.” the CEO said.