Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Jan 09 : A mesmerizing dam popularly known as Panner dam in Tral area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district continues to attract the tourists from different parts of the country even as the locals demanded an upgradation of facilities at the place.
Panner dam, currently completely frozen, is covered by green forests all around, which is adding to the beauty of this dam where tourists have been visiting.
However, the visitors are facing immense hardships due to the official neglect of the place.
Locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Panner has a good potential to be developed as a tourist spot, however, the dam continues to be neglected by the authorities.
They said that in absence of the facilities, the tourists from different areas have been visiting the spot and if facilities are upgraded, the rush of tourists is expected to increase further.
The locals said that besides being a source of irrigation for nearby paddy fields of Panner Jageer, Mandoora and its adjacent areas, has picturesque scenery and attracts the tourists as well.
Shabir Ahmad, a local resident said, “The dam was without a proper accessible road, which gives a tough time to the visitors.”
Zahoor Ahmad, another local said that no residential quarters besides other facilities are available due to which tourists are suffering, adding that the government has announced that the area will be brought under tourism map but so far nothing has been done in this regard.
Bipin, a tourist from Gujarat, said that they came to know about this spot through social media after which they visited here.
He said that he found the location mesmerizing and urged others to experience its charm. Other tourists also said that the spot is very mesmerizing but it needs to be upgraded after which it can attract more tourists.
Locals said that they have brought this issue in notice of higher ups several times but to no avail. They said that if this area will be brought on a tourism map, it will help in generating employment opportunities for locals and the government can generate good revenue as well.
They urged the higher ups to look into the matter and take immediate steps for development of the spot so that it can attract more and more people and can generate employment for local youth—(KNO)
