Mohammad Tahir:
SRINAGAR: At a time when Government spends huge amount on various developmental projects in Kashmir valley, they have forgot to install a sophisticated cellular networks in and around Sonamarg bowl, while as night charges for accommodation goes high for tourists and authorities concerned seems unmoved.
Due to non-availability of cellular networks in Sonamarg area, Amarnath piligrims and local tourists are facing various problems due to which they remain cut off for hours, said sources.
Sources said that, “Not a single cellular networks including state owned BSNL mobile as well as private operators like Airtel, Jio remains not reachable in Sonamarg.
Sources said that Yatris who had come to visit Amarnath cave for pilgrimage, via Baltal in Sonamarg are disappointed due to ill cellular network coverage across Sonmarg.
Yatris who is on pilgrimage told Street Times that, “From past few days, they had not spoken to their families, as they might be worried about their well-being, but to their disappointment they said that government has failed to install a cellular networks for Amarnath pilgrims here,”.
Tourists have also complained that, the hoteliers have been charging high to guests who stay in hotels, while as the quality of food is below expectations.
However sources also said that irony of the fact is that the High Court order banning the use of polythene and plastic bags at eco-sensitive resorts in Kashmir is being thrown to winds.
Polythene bags including torn wrappers and other items can be seen everywhere in Sonamarg bowl, there is no effort from the employees of Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) to keep the non-biodegradable items away from this tourist spot, said sources.
Even though some dust bins have been placed at various spots, but tourists hardly use that, due to unawareness on part of the department concerned. More while visiting towards the upper glacier, heaps of garbage, horse dung are scattered on roads, on the ground everywhere gives tough time to local and tourists in Sonamarg area, sources added