By IANS,
Agra: Agra’s tourism industry Tuesday expressed concern at the adverse fallout of the Gujjar agitation in Rajasthan as they fear it will affect tourist inflow to the city in the festive season.
The railway and road traffic between Jaipur and Agra has been badly affected. Trains headed to Mumbai are being diverted from Mathura towards Agra Cantonment and will proceed via Sawai Madhopur.
Hoteliers in Agra said there were anxious inquiries and some cancellations.
“If the situation does not improve, there could be large-scale cancellations of hotel bookings by tourists planning Christmas and New Year celebrations in the Taj city,” said Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Agra Hotels and Restaurants Association.
Surendra Sharma, owner of Hotel Goverdhan, said: “The flow of tourists in the golden triangle had just begun to gain momentum. Unfortunately, this agitation coinciding with the festival season will be a big setback.
Over 15,000 Gujjars began their agitation Monday, demanding reservation in state government jobs in Rajasthan. They are led by Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti convener K.S. Bainsla.