Early Times Report
Srinagar, June 13: During 2003-2004, when the government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed created several tourism developmental authorities across the state, half a dozen of them were established in Kashmir Valle. They included developmental authorities for Kokernag, Aharbal, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri and Yusmarg.
Details available with Early Times reveal that crores of rupees were spent by the government on construction of a Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) for Doodhpathri Development Authority (DDA). The TRC building was constructed near Tangnad area of Doodhpathri three years ago, but till date it remains unutilized and the office of the DDA which should have been housed in the building is operating from a rented private building located in Budgam town, which is 30 km from Doodhpathri.
"If government provided huge funds for construction of a TRC building for DDA, why is the building still non-operational though it was handed over to the government three years ago? It indicates that tourism authorities are least bothered about development of Doodhpathri," said Fayaz Ahmad, a ponywala from Doodhpathri.
Sources said the officials who work in DDA mostly belong to Budgam and Srinagar and they loathe traveling all the way to Tangnad, Doodhpathri where the TRC building is located. And for their own convenience they continue to operate from a private building which is located in the heart of Budgam town for which DDA pays a monthly rent of Rs 20,000. Will Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who also happens to be the Tourism Minister of the state, seek an explanation from DDA officials and Additional DC district Budgam who holds the charge of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) DDA, said the sources.
It may be mentioned that the DDA is functioning without a CEO and Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) from the last many months, thus affecting the work. |
