My Article on World Tourism Day 2012

1. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU
daily
Under the netas
Excelsior Established 1965
Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra
Tourism and sustainable energy money tree
Jeet Dogra spread awareness among the inter- time. It is being depicted through areas so that we can contribute
national community of the impor- United Nations by declaring this towards the clean and green tomor- Poonam I Kaushish
Capping LPG cylinders ustainable Development as a
haotic situation has developed in regard to cap- S term is used extensively tance of tourism as a field along
with its social, cultural, political
year as an International Year of
Sustainable Energy.
row.
In India, there are several hur-
T
wo + two = Four. Not in political Delhi's arithmetic.
Wherein instead of four it could add up to 5, subtract to 3,
C
both by developed and
and economic value. The themes In this regard, the information dles for sustainable development remain at two or even total zero! One can never tell with the
ping of LPG cylinders ordered by the developing nations across the
of the tourism day seek to address is also uploaded on the official
world. Generally, it means to meet like population, poverty, inequali- ring-a-ring roses game our polity plays. All trying to out do each
Government after consultations with oil and gas global challenges outlined in the website of United Nation World ty, deforestation, petrol consump- other.
the needs of the present without
majors in the country. On September 14, Union United Nations Millennium Tourism Organization (UNWTO). tion, the shortage of drinking It all started with Trinamool's capricious Chief Mamata
compromising the ability of future Development Goals (MDGs) and The main points included in the
Government announced drastic reform in supply of generations to meet their own water, health issues etc. but the Bannerjee declaring war on the Congress over FDI in multi retail
to highlight its contribution which information are the clean energy most prominent one is consump-
LPG cylinders and fixed maximum of six cylinders per needs. On the other side, the role of can make in reaching MDGs' solutions in tourism which help in
and hike in diesel prices, withdrawing her Ministers and support to
family per year on subsidized rates. However, addition- Energy and its associated terms tion of energy. On the other hand, the UPA Government, thereby turning it to a minority. Leading to
goals. On this day, the United bringing the sector's carbon emis- the meaning of sustainable devel-
al cylinders would be available on higher rates. But like energy efficiency, renewable shadow boxing and backroom bargains between Parties for the
energy etc. is playing a significant opment does not mean to divert remaining years of UPA II even as all position themselves for the
this is not a uniform criterion. The Congress ruled role in achieving the objective of from the growth but to utilize our next general elections in 2013-14.
states like Delhi will provide nine cylinders per family sustainable development. The resources so that a kind of inter- Flummoxing everyone, "tragic figure and under achiever"
per year on subsidized rates and beyond that cylinders international forums and organiza- relationship can be established for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh displayed Singham-style
tions realized the critical role of the mutual benefits of present and machismo, ignored jibes and pushed ahead with reforms explain-
will be available on higher rates. future generations. There may be
In the case of Jammu and Kashmir, only six cylin- energy in sustainable develop- ing his reasons in an uncharacteristic TV address to the nation.
ment. That is the main reason, the some suggestions that can be help-
Even pooh-poohed the Bharat Bandh called by the BJP-led NDA
ders per family per year have been allowed. It means United Nations General Assembly ful towards the sustainable devel-
and 8 regional Parties including Left for spreading "canards"
that since half of the year (2012) is already gone, for by its resolution declared this year opment. Strategies like input effi-
Thursday last.
the remaining period of six months till March 2013, as the International Year of cient technology, usage of environ-
mental friendly resources, integrat- Raising a moot point: What was Congress's end game? Had
each family in the State will get only three cylinders on Sustainable Energy. Mamata bitten off more than she could chew? How long would
Such a declaration from inter- ed development plans, focuses on
subsidized rates. Anybody in need of extra cylinders renewable sources of energy, Mulayam and Mayawati play ball with the UPA? Could the BJP
national organization is providing capitalise in the emerging state of flux? Where does this leave the
will have to pay the higher price though that too is not an opportunity to raise awareness organic farming, recycle the
wastes etc. will yield favorable Left?
sure because the Government is yet to decide what related to continuous increasing
The Congress strategy seems clear: It has nothing more to lose.
would be the price of non-subsidized cylinder. sustainable access to the energy benefits. Beyond these strategies,
efficiency, renewable energy etc. citizens should take an oath to con- Aware it might not bounce back to power in the next poll, why not
This drastic decision has been taken by the Union Further, it will help to promote the serve the natural assets to maintain go down fighting? At least, it would have something to show the
Government in view of spiralling bill on energy awareness about the role of sus- the inter-generational equality. aam aadmi. Also, it knows that no Party including the BJP and
resource in the country. The bill was likely to touch 200
lakh crore of rupees by the end of current financial
tainable energy at the local as well
as global level. The area of Energy
WORLD TOURISM DAY In conclusion, the concept of
sustainable energy and sustainable
MPs wants immediate poll.
All of a sudden there is a spring and aggression in the till-
services have insightful impact on development is a vision and a way recently comatose Party. Next on the agenda is induction of fresh
year. The Prime Minister had touched on this point dur- the various services like productiv- Nations World Tourism sions down, protecting local envi- faces in the impending Cabinet re-shuffle. It is also certain that
of developing an attitude to con-
ing his recent broadcast to the nation. He was emphat- ity, health, food and water security, Organization includes the global ronments and communities, carry- serve our resources as well as our Manmohan Singh will continue to sit on India's Raj gaddi while
ic in stating that some hard measures had to be taken education, climate change, and community to cherish and cele- ing modern energy services to the environment for future genera- Rahul takes on more visible responsibility in the Party. Today, it is
to bridge over country's financial difficulties. Capping communication services. Due to brate the importance of nature and world poor, cutting costs for busi- tions. Both the government poli- busy strategising to deal with difficult customers, Mulayam and
the lack of availability of clean, natural resources with human exis- nesses and creating jobs and eco- cies as well as genuine contribu- Mayawati.
of the supply of LPG cylinders is the result of one such affordable and reliable energy tence. While the official World nomic opportunities. According to
tions from societies can guide to What of Mamata? Where does she go from here? Her take-it-
austerity measure. Hike in the price of diesel may not hamper human, social and eco- Tourism Day celebrations take the estimate by UNWTO, one bil-
achieve the sustainable develop- or-I-leave-UPA posturing appears to be based on calculated strate-
evoke as much of public resentment as the new policy nomic development. Moreover, it place in a UNWTO Member State lion international tourists are
on the basis of geographic rotation. expected to travel in the present ment. No doubt that degradation gy that has more to do with West Bengal than national politics. Her
of supply of LPG cylinders has evoked. The reason is is a major impediment to achieve
the United Nations' Millennium Like every year, the theme for year, therefore, this is the time to on environmental resources apparent madness has a method. Perhaps, Mamata regards the
that diesel is consumed by affluent sections of society Development Goals (UNMDG). this year's World Tourism Day is commit to a more sustainable already imposed a threat to those UPA as a sinking ship wherein she has nothing to lose.
and big business magnates who run diesel cars. But Tourism as the fastest, broadest "Tourism & Sustainable Energy: tourism sector and a sustainable generations that are yet to born. Preparing for the eventuality of early election, she is confident
LPG is a dire necessity for all and curtailment of cylin- and strategically significant sector Powering Sustainable future for all. Such kind of uncontrolled devel- of improving her tally in Bengal. This means her importance
can contribute enormously both Development". This year's official Like in other developing coun- opment will hamper their normal would only increase in Delhi's hurly-burly post-election politics,
der is going to adversely affect the middle and lower life on this planet. But the serious giving her a more meaningful role in national politics.
directly and indirectly for sustain- celebrations will take place in tries, the theme titled Tourism and
middle class of our population. able energy and sustainable devel- Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain Sustainable Energy is very much efforts will make a note of sustain- Mamata made three calculations while kicking the UPA. One,
But the manner in which the entire matter is handled opment. Therefore, the role of and include a Think Tank on the valid in our country. Due to contin- able strategies that will equip the by divorcing the Congress, she is saving herself from people's
in our State has raised many fingers. Firstly, if Delhi -- tourism and its allied sectors in sus- 2012 theme with the participation uous increase in the income-level future generations to inherit a bal- anger over UPA's reform agenda and various scams. Two, she is
tainable developments is an impor- of top experts and policy makers in of middle class, the burden on nat- ance and improvised quality life now master of West Bengal with a free hand to put up 42 candi-
-- a Congress run State--- has been allowed nine cylin- the field of tourism and energy.
tant one. In 1979, the United Nation ural resources is also increasing. from the present generations. dates for the next Lok Sabha election, no seat-sharing arrangement
ders per family per year, why should not this be possi- World Tourism Organization's This day represents a unique Although, India is ranked 127 in On the occasion of World with the Congress. If she sweeps the State it would catapult her to
ble for J&K State when we know that this hilly and (UNWTO) General Assembly opportunity to highlight the steps the Human Development Index Tourism Day, we the citizens, becoming one of the Prime Ministerial aspirants.
mountainous State is debilitated economically in more decided to celebrate World Tourism taken so far by the international (HDI) but the rapid pace of should think on these lines and at Three, she is now better equipped to fight her arch-rival Left.
Day (WTD) every year and from tourism community to power the unchecked development has
than one way? Objectively speaking, the State should all important sustainable develop- least decide to act now to save our By ditching the UPA, Mamata not only robbed the CPI-M of its
the very next year, the first World already imposed serious threats for
be allowed nine cylinders per family per year, and that Tourism Day was celebrated. After ment. Moreover, the theme is also mother earth. poll plank of fighting tainted UPA's policies but also hijacked the
environmentally friendly present agenda: Turning more Left than Left. Over the past 17 months, she
would be justified in view of long winter and greater that it is held annually on 27 an opportunity to ensure that the and tomorrow. Today, our national
(The author is Assistant
September on global level. international tourism continues to Professor Department of Tourism has pulled out all stops to woo the minorities, talking the masses
consumption as a consequence. Secondly, much agencies are concerned about the
Basically, the main purpose to play a strategic role in tackling the & Travel Management, Central language which supports her kind of politics.
chaos has been caused by asking consumers to get energy challenges of the present sustainable development in every Clearly, Mamata's loss is UP satraps Mulayam and Mayawati's
celebrate World Tourism Day is to University of Jammu)
their gas cards re-verified although only three months field as well as in urban and rural gain. While Mulayam supports the Congress on the fallacious plea
FDI retail: No solution for slowdown
back this exercise had been completed. Why are half of "keeping communal forces at bay," Mayawati remains silent and
hearted decisions taken by the gas outlets and why plays hard ball. Either which way both have increased their bar-
does the Government let them have their way. It is gaining power with the Congress and stabilised the UPA ship.
But this is no cause for comfort for Congress, which knows
harassment of the people and unacceptable as it will Dr Ashwani Mahajan policy change. This endeavor of nomic reforms. International to concede its inefficiency, and that their support is based on a combination of self- interest and
call for PIL on a large scale. People have not forgotten the Government got a big blow bandwagons have also joined in put all the blame on the political fear of pending investigations into graft cases. A major worry for
fter washing out of the
the ordeal through which they were made to go when
three months ago they were asked to get their gas
cards verified. Re-enactment of that activity will earn
A monsoon session of
Parliament on the issue
of Coal scam, the Government
when an alliance partner of UPA
(Trinmool Congress) threatened
to severe their relations with the
this advocacy. First USA maga-
zine 'The Economist' then 'Times'
again a USA's weekly and later
conditions, which it says is
responsible for stalling FDI in
retail and new legislations,
Netaji is the disproportionate assets case, awaiting Supreme Court
verdict. Fresh trouble over FIRs in the acquisition of Tatra truck
deals is also on the anvil. Recall, the Tatra case deals date back to
the wrath of the people. Therefore the Government on September 14, 2012 has now Government on this issue. USA's President Barak Obama, which they call economic 1997 when Mulayam Singh was the Defence Minister in the
launched a fresh move on the Samajwadi Party, which is com- in a row joined this chorus, while reform. Sooner we understand Gowda-Gujral United Front Government.
should immediately order stopping of re-validation of implementation of 'congress ing closer to the government showing concern about slow- better it is that crisis in the econ- Undeniably, Mulayam adept at simultaneously blowing hot and
gas cards in the case of those that have already gone brand' economic reforms and now in other ways, is not down in Indian economy. While omy is not due to stalling of new cold is a staunch believer in the one-step-forward-two-steps-back-
through the process. opened up FDI in multi-brand expected to cave in on this issue, addressing his home constituen- legislation, but actually due to policy. Especially against the backdrop that even as he hoots for
Reports are coming in that besides ordinary con- retail. Samajwadi Party chief as its supremo had already cy in the election year, Barak inefficiency of the government. UPA, he took part in the 8-Party sponsored bandh against
Mulayam Singh and others who declared publicly that he may go Obama complains that India is Lack of political support Government policies. Alongside, the pehelwan-turned-politician is
sumers, even the Congress and NC activists including matter in number game will now to any extent in opposing FDI in forbidding foreign investment cannot be held responsible, if keen that son Akhilesh has a trouble-free tenure as UP Chief
some ministers have expressed resentment to the tried to be lured and even threat- retail. and investment climate is vitiat- trade deficit has reached $ 190 Minister. To this end, a pliable Centre would be invaluable vis-à-
capping of LPG cylinders to a maximum of 6 in the ened to agree to these reforms. It Insurance Bill is also indicator ing. However, while saying so he billion, industrial growth has vis special funds.
case of J&K State. Some ministers have even said that is no secret that both Trinmool pressurises the Indian flattened to zero or rupee is The Congress on its part is following the carrot and stick by
of a big policy change. It is worth
they would be raising the issue in the forthcoming cab- Congress supremo Mamata Government to open the econo- depreciating.. Rise in trade engaging with the State Government over a funding game of Rs
Banerjee and and Mulayam remembering that NDA
inet meeting and will forcefully plead for a mechanism Government allowed FDI to the my for USA's companies. deficit for instance from 130 93,000 crore package of which only half has been paid that too in
have been vehement critiques of
of rationalising the decision. Revenue Minister dis- extent of 26 percent in insurance No doubt, economic condi- $billion to 190 $billion between dribs and drabs. Leaving room for negotiations when the going
FDI in retail, Pension Bill and
sector. To bar the government, to tions in the country are deterio- 2010-11 and 2011-12, cannot be gets tough for the Grand Dame.
closed that he has even written to the Chief Minister Insurance Bill. The game has
now become more interesting increase this cap, a bill was passed rating, to cure the problems of due to lack of political coopera- Out of power in UP, it suits Mayawati's to have friends at the
about people's resentment to the unjust capping of in the parliament to this effect. the Indian economy; we need tion, but is actually because of Centre. But her ties with Sonia hinge on the poll's timing. She does
after Trinmool Congress supre-
cylinders and demanded revision of the policy. He has mo Mamata Banerjee pulled out Now to increase the cap of FDI is urgently an efficient manage- the fact that in 2011-12, not favour advancing the general elections as the BSP needs time
also pointed out that re-validation of gas connection is of the alliance and Mulayam's insurance, legislation is required. ment and not the foreign capital. Government did not make any to regroup to take on bête noire Samajwadi. Thus, with eyes set on
harassment of civilian population. dilly-dallying on the issue. Pension Bill is yet another big We find our trade deficit rising effort whatsoever, to restrict ris- capturing UP again it made no sense to ally with other regional
For the last more than one policy change, which will allow at a much faster speed than ever. ing imports of gold, which outfits and participate in the bandh. Also, post the Supreme Court
In final analysis, it is true that the country is passing increased from $25 billion in
year, Government has been the Government to invest pension In 2010-11, our trade deficit was dismissing two disproportionate assets cases she can breathe easy.
through financial hardship and the Government has to $ 130 billion, which increased to 2010-11 to $ 50 billion in 2011-
making efforts to make policy funds in the stock market. Both As for the BJP, it is in shambles and struggling with internal
take drastic steps to check its deterioration. It is also changes (in the name of eco- these bills along with the propos- nearly $ 190 billion in 2011-12. 12. Imports from China are ris-
issues and contradictions. Its 80-plus Chairman and seven Gen
true that ultimately people will have to bear the brunt. nomic reforms), for which there al of FDI in retail; are being Balance of Payment (BOP) ing exponentially in the past few
Next leaders are vying for numero uno status. Moreover, it real-
But at the same time, the reformative measures should was total lack of consensus in strongly opposed by the Trinmool deficit has also increased to a years and government did not
take any step to control them. izes that any gimmick of up-staging the UPA would lead to the
be uniformly applicable, and secondly these should not the country. For decade and a Congress. much higher level. BOP deficit, Government reinforcing its numbers.
also increased from $ 44 billion Today not only consumer
cause harassment of the ordinary people. The half, there has been an era of Supporters of economic Though not ruling out early polls, the Saffron Sangh would
to $ 78.4 billion during this peri- goods, even project goods like
Government should have worked out smooth transition coalition governments and no reforms have been criticising the hate to be seen as responsible for it. With the Congress confident
od. To fill this gap in BOP, poli- power plants, telecom and many
single party could implement its government terming the situation of securing numerical strength for UPA's survival, the BJP
from one set of conditions to another. Put in simple as 'policy paralysis', and blaming cy makers give the argument of other types of equipments, are
own agenda. Dr. Manmohan acknowledges that its role is limited to wait and watch. It would
words, the Government has to do two things to bring foreign investment. Thus for- being imported on a large scale
Singh, Finance Minister at the the Government for not doing rather 'capitalise' on UPA allies' mood to send the message that the
this chaotic situation to an end. One is to increase the eign capital is not for any devel- from China.
time of beginning of new eco- enough to implement these poli- Congress had lost confidence, and then intensify its offensive
opment; rather it is the compul- Efficient Management
number of subsidized LPG cylinders from six per fam- nomic policy and present Prime cy changes. However, the fact is
Needed against the Government.
ily per year to nine and second is to withdraw orders of Minister, who has been the pro- that the economy is turning from sions arising out of the misman-
Coming out of its conven- Sadly, the Left Front has been left holding the can, upped by
ponent of economic reforms and bad to worse due to total mis- agement of the economy. For
re-verification of gas connections in such cases in tional and misdirected argu- Mamata who has shrewdly hijacked its core theme of pro-poor
his team, had been pushing pol- management of the economy. such a big deficit even, a foreign
which verification has already been done. This will ments, like global economic cri- policies. Though it had been banking on a Congress-Trinamool
icy changes, namely opening up Rate of economic growth is investment of 50 billion was not
ease the situation. sis, inevitability of increasing split to make a comeback in West Bengal, Mamata's withdrawal
of retail trade for foreign invest- grounded at 6 percent annually, sufficient to fill the gap between
foreign investments and so has not brought a smile. By walking out, she has clearly taken a
ment, Insurance Bill and rate of inflation is nearing two demand on supply of dollars.
Illegal mining Pension Bill. Beginning with
2005, Planning Commission
digits, rupee is at its historic low,
high rate of interest are all killing
And the obvious fallout was,
depreciation of rupee by more
called economic reforms,
Government needs to set its
lead over the Left. With panchayat elections due soon, Left's oppo-
sition to FDI is unlikely to have any rural connect.
llegal mining of sand and pebbles in various nullahs
I
house in order. Controlling In sum, even as our netas bellow Opposition publicly, they
under the stewardship of the industrial growth, with no than 20 percent in just 4-5 inflation, reducing rates of inter-
across Jammu-Lakhanpur Highway sector has chance of revival in near future. months and rupee declined coochie-coo privately. Sadly, when one-upmanship politics dictate
Montek Singh Ahluwalia has est and restricting imports are
caused serious damage to at least two major been advocating for FDI in Under these circumstances, from 48.7 per $ to 57-58 per our leaders' political ideology and everything is weighed on the
the policy alternatives, which
bridges, namely Devak and Balole. Portions of base- retail and sponsored studies by Government and its advisers had US$ between February 2012 government should adopt to put voters' scale there is no hope for the aam aadmi. Specially, when
ments of these vital bridges have got exposed and ICRIER in 2005 and 2008 for been advocating for making pol- and June 2012. the economy back on the track. one is pitted against "money growing on the political tree!" What
partly washed away by the floods during current mon- preparing the ground for this icy changes in the guise of eco- Government was not ready says you, Prime Minister?
soons. Mining mafia has been lifting sand, stones and
pebbles close to the basement pillars of the bridges
rendering them vulnerable to flash flood damages.
Not a big feat World Tourism Day
Sir, Sir, authorities who hardly know how to talk
Despite a ban imposed by the authorities on illegal Apropos CEC LADHC (Sept 19 ,2012) 27th September is celebrated as World and communicate with tourists and visi- Separate Railway Division
mining, the illegal activity continues unabated, mostly hands over keys of 14 khokas, and it says that Tourism Day. India is well known for its tors.Very few people visit that place. A Sir,
at night or in early hours. This is not possible without these were built on priority. It took two years for incredible destinations. Our city Jammu person who has studied tourism for two Apropos Ch Lal Singh's statement that he'd demand separate rail-
LAHDC to construct theses temporary khokas,as
the connivance of supervising authorities supposed to is called the City of Temples. But soon the years and who is master in tourism, can way division for Jammu and Kashmir with DRM office at Jammu, it is
every body remembers the flash floods of 2012 .
impose the ban strictly. The cost of repairs to the dam- number of tourists in it will decline perform better than other people in this stated that this division should have come up long ago. How does DRM
This sort of construction is a matter of days in
because of the railway project of Katra. field.He/she can make people aware of sitting at Firozpur which is more than 300 km away from Jammu and
aged bridges, as disclosed by the authorities, will run this modern time with all types of machinery
about 600 km away from Srinagar can effectively control Jammu- Katra
available. Thank Heavens it was not any perma- Because of that, the tourists will directly why one should come to Jammu, what
into many crore rupees besides consuming several and Kashmir Valley railway operation defies all logic. I think that this
nent structure to be constructed, otherwise it go to Katra, instead of passing through are the main tourist destinations in Jammu is primarily due to indifferent attitude of people of Jammu in general
months for bringing it to completion. This is a major would have taken two decades. I fail to under- Jammu city. This will surely affect the and how to conserve the historical places? and J&K politicians in particular who really do not care and which has
anti-national act and deserves to be taken serious note stand the chest thumping by the LAHDC for this economy of Jammu. All we need is a chance to work by led to such an absurd situation. One has only to visit Jammu railway sta-
of. Persons involved in these clandestine activities achievement. The opposition party in Ladakh is My point is that we need good man- Government and we want them to think tion to see the filth and squalor and chaos all around. Even this news-
should be given exemplary punishment. The mining also living in 50's era of Ladakh when things
agers for attracting tourists towards on this aspect. This way we will celebrate paper has highlighted the pathetic condition of Jammu railway station
used to move with the season. This is modern
mafia has to be exposed and their connections and Jammu. Many places like Kalakendra and Tourism Day in a better way. many a time in the past. Things would have never come to sorry pass
time Ladakh and such lethargy is unacceptable.
Hari Palace need to be marketed properly, had DRM been stationed at Jammu. It is high time that creation of a
conduits should be prosecuted under the law. Lifting Let the opposition party exert its full pressure
so that more and more tourists come to saparate railway division at Jammu is pursued by Jammu civil society
of construction material obtained from the nullahs upon Ruling elite of LAHDC to do the job in a Yours etc... and other stake holders at the highest level in the Railway Ministry.
should be banned 500 meters up and down the site of time bound manner or step down. Jammu. Recently I went to Kalakendra Aruditya Jasrotia Yours etc...
Yours etc.... and what I found there shocked me a bit
all bridges of this crucial national highway. Ashok Kumar MBA-Travel and Tourism Ramesh Gupta
as there was no one on except some Central University of Jammu On e-mail
On e-mail