STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The government on Wednesday said that various steps have been taken up while few are in pipeline for the development of tourism in Bandipora District.
In response to the question raised by MLA Bandipora Usman Majid, government in a written reply to the House said that for the development of health resort, the Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a project of Rs 3.54 crore under PIDDC Scheme.
Minister for Tourism said the project is being completed by way of major components such as Construction of Budgeted Accommodation, Shelter Sheds, Food Court Centre, Chowkidar Quarter, etc.
The House was further informed for the restoration of Zaina Lank Island in Wullar Lake, the union Ministry of Tourism, GoI has also sanctioned a project at a cost of Rs. 2.07 crore and is also completed by way of construction of parking area, development of approach road, illumination ferry boats, Ghats and public conveniences.
The Minister for Tourism further stated that for the construction and development of Athwatoo tourist resorts by way of construction of parking area, water supply installation, main gate, and road, a project of Rs 1.5 crore has also been completed.
Government further revealed that a Rest House cum Food Court at Ziyarat Sharief Baba Dawood Khaki Kudara has also been constructed for the pilgrims visiting the Ziyarat.
It was further revealed to the house that Under Prime Minister Development Package (PMDP) a project for construction of Tourist Facilitation Centre (TRC) has also been sanctioned by union ministry and an amount of Rs 27.72 crore have also been released for the execution of project. On the question raised by the legislator, tourism ministry further informed that 60 percent work has been completed on the construction of TIC at Garoora Bandipora while 50 percent work has been completed on P/F of chain link fencing of tourism land at Nusu Bandipora.
The department said it has also completed the works on repairs/renovation of lavatory block at Nehru Park and P/F of chain link fencing around proposed site at Saderkote Payeen, Bandipora. It said while construction of Jetty/Rest house and cafeteria at Saderkote Payeen was completed but it got damaged during 2014 floods.
House was further informed that on the directions of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti during recent Public Durbar at Bandipora, work has been taken up for the development of Shrine at Dedmoj, Buthoo and Athwatoo (Grave of Mousa Sahib) at an estimated cost of Rs 33 lakh.
