CTTIK Delegation Meets LOP Sunil Sharma, Raises Key Tourism and Business Issues
13/09/2026
Jammu, September 12 (KIP)-A delegation of the Chamber of Tourism, Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK) comprising president Raj Kumar Padha secretary Atul Sharma and executive member Neelam Singh met Sh. Sunil Sharma Hon’ble Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly in the presence of MLA Sh. Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA Sh. Kuldeep Raj Dubey and BJP reasi district president Sh. Rohit Dubey. During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Leader of Opposition of various pressing issues concerning tourism, hospitality, infrastructure and the business community of Katra and Jammu Division.
The CTTIK delegation strongly emphasised the need to end the comparative overlooking of Jammu Division in tourism promotion and sought a dedicated long-term promotional policy for Jammu as an independent tourism destination. The delegation highlighted the vast potential of Jammu in religious, spiritual, heritage, leisure, adventure and nature tourism and stressed the need for greater participation in major tourism platforms such as TTF, OTM, national and international roadshows, FAM tours and digital campaigns. It also proposed an integrated Jammu religious and tourism circuit covering Katra, Jammu, Patnitop, Sanasar, Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, Bhaderwah, Mansar, Surinsar, Shiv Khori and other important destinations along with dedicated funds for promotion and destination branding.
The delegation also raised the issue of inadequate water and electricity supply to accommodation units in Katra stressing the need for a long-term water security plan, exploration of additional water sources, uninterrupted 24-hour power supply and augmentation of transformers and distribution infrastructure. CTTIK further demanded restoration of industrial power tariff and other eligible industry benefits for hotels considering hospitality as a vital component of the tourism economy besides seeking a Power Amnesty Scheme for commercial consumers to enable genuine businesses to settle outstanding dues through a structured mechanism.
The delegation also urged intervention for the early implementation of the PRASHAD Scheme in Katra including expeditious finalisation of the revised DPR and release of the sanctioned funds for tourism infrastructure. Another major demand was the establishment of a dedicated Tourism Skill Development Centre at Katra to provide practical training in hospitality, front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, customer service, travel trade, tourist guiding and other tourism-related skills thereby creating employment opportunities for local youth.
The CTTIK delegation also discussed the proposed Tarakot–Sanjichhat Ropeway Project making it clear that the Chamber is not opposed to modernisation of pilgrimage infrastructure but strongly believes that the project should not bypass Katra and its traditional markets. CTTIK suggested that the ropeway should preferably originate from within Katra near the Old Bus Stand with ticketing waiting and allied facilities located in the town. The delegation stressed that pilgrim movement should continue to pass through Katra and that local entrepreneurs and youth should receive meaningful participation and employment opportunities in the project and its allied services.
The delegation requested the Hon’ble Leader of Opposition to raise these important matters with the Government and concerned departments and extend his support for the legitimate interests of the tourism, hospitality and business community of Katra and Jammu Division.
Sh. Sunil Sharma listened sympathetically to the issues and concerns raised by the CTTIK delegation and assured the members that he would take up the matters with the concerned authorities and make all possible efforts for their early consideration and redressal. The CTTIK delegation expressed gratitude to the Leader of Opposition the MLAs and the BJP reasi districtpresident for giving them an opportunity to present the concerns of the Katra business and tourism fraternity.