By King RJ
Bhadarwah: In a major boost to the tourism industry which suffered badly during last two years due coronavirus pandemic, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had cleared the snow and opened Bhadarwah – Jaie meadow road for traffic on Feb 20 Six weeks ahead of schedule, BRO officials said.
According to OC (Officer Commanding) 118 RCC Lt Col Y K Gautam the 30 Km road leading to famous tourist destination Jaie Ghati located at a height of 11200 feet above sea level was restored to both-way traffic ahead of ‘Askini Bhaderkashi’ snow festival which will commence on 24th Feb.
“After the request from District administration Doda to make the road motorable by 24th Feb, we cleared the snow on war footing leading to snow filled Jaie Ghati by deploying half a dozen heavy machinery and more than 100 men thereby making the road motorable in record time and opening it 4 days ahead of the festival,” said OC 118 RCC.
The Bhadarwah -Jaie road earlier could not be restored before April 15, but this time the road has been cleared about 7 weeks earlier. The BRO has also intensified its efforts to restore the Bhadarwah-Guldanda-Chattergala road to connect the Bhadarwah valley with Pathankot in Punjab.
A large number of tourists, including foreigners, opt for the high altitude meadow Jaie for adventure sports and Trekking. This route remains accessible only during the summer months from mid April to October.
The beneficiaries associated with the tourism industry say that Jaie is a major attraction among the tourists and by pre pounding the snow clearance and making it motorable 7 weeks ahead of normal schedule will definitely boost the prospects of tourism industry in a big way as it has been opened well before snow melts and the high altitude meadow loses its charm.
“Over the last one week, hotels and guest houses in the area have experienced a sharp hike in bookings,” said Tariq Choudhary President TTTA (Tour Travel and Trade Association) Bhadarwah.
“According to data, 200-250 tourists arrived in Bhadarwah every day since December 15 last year and this number will surely increase manifolds in the coming days as roads leading to high altitude meadows are being opened for traffic well in advance and visitors are enjoying the charm of snow,” said Manish Kotwal of Hotel and Guest house Association Bhadarwah.
