Jammu, October 31, 2025 — The tourism sector in Jammu & Kashmir is facing a slowdown as several Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) across the Union Territory have failed to fully utilize the funds allocated for infrastructure and promotional activities.
During the ongoing session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, lawmakers expressed concern over the underutilization of budgeted resources meant to boost tourism in key destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Patnitop, and Bhaderwah. Despite substantial allocations in the 2024–25 fiscal year, many TDAs reported low expenditure levels, citing administrative delays and lack of project execution capacity.
Delayed project approvals and tendering processes have stalled infrastructure upgrades.
Limited staff and technical expertise within TDAs hinder timely implementation.
Unspent funds risk being reallocated or lapsed, affecting future tourism planning.
Legislators urged the government to conduct performance audits of TDAs and streamline fund disbursement mechanisms. The Department of Tourism assured the House that corrective measures, including capacity-building and revised guidelines, are being considered to ensure optimal use of resources.
