Poonch, Nov 06:- Despite its scenic landscapes and vast tourism potential, several picturesque destinations in Poonch district continue to remain underdeveloped, with residents alleging a lack of attention…
Poonch, Nov 06:- Despite its scenic landscapes and vast tourism potential, several picturesque destinations in Poonch district continue to remain underdeveloped, with residents alleging a lack of attention from the government and concerned departments. Locals said the absence of basic tourist facilities at these destinations was discouraging visitors and preventing the district from tapping its tourism potential.
They pointed out that while several tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley had witnessed development and promotion, many equally scenic locations in Poonch were yet to receive the required infrastructure. The district is home to several unexplored destinations, including Pir Ki Gali, Noori Chamb, Shah Sitar, Nahrian, Rangawar, Sarri Mangian, Aangan Pathri, Sultan Pathri, Nandi Chhool, Arai Base Camp, Jabi Toti, Than Peer and Doda Peer, spread across Mandi, Surankote and other areas.
However, residents said many of these places lacked essential facilities such as accommodation, food outlets, public conveniences, drinking water, proper road connectivity and signboards, making visits difficult for tourists. They said visitors travelling from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir often faced difficulties in finding suitable places to stay, eat or access basic amenities, limiting the scope for longer visits. Residents maintained that developing these destinations could also create employment opportunities for local youth, particularly those living in remote and far-flung areas.
They said tourism-related activities such as homestays, hotels, restaurants, transport services and local businesses could strengthen the district's economy and provide sustainable livelihoods. They urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government, Lieutenant Governor, Tourism Department, MLA Haveli Ajaz Ahmed Jan and the District Administration Poonch to prepare a comprehensive tourism development plan to bring unexplored destinations onto the tourism map.
The residents called for the identification and development of tourism circuits, improved road connectivity, accommodation, sanitation, drinking water facilities and effective publicity to attract visitors throughout the year. They expressed hope that the authorities would take concrete measures to promote Poonch's lesser-known destinations, saying focused investment in tourism could boost the local economy while creating much-needed employment opportunities for youth.
This is a source-linked briefing. Read the original report from Rising Kashmir .