 G S Asgotra
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 5: Constructed in 2012 with an estimated cost of Rs 70 Lakhs, the building of tourist complex is yet to be opened for tourists and is facing decay of time.
The building was constructed in Darhal by tourism department to promote tourism in hilly town but has turned into ghost house, due to apathetic attitude of the concerned department.
The building was constructed to appease local powerful politicians, source informed, regretting that the projected could not fulfill the purpose for which it was established.
Congress leader from district Rajouri, Zahid Sarfraz Malik said that though incumbent government was planning to develop Eco- tourism destinations in the remote areas, the major tourist destinations announced by previous government in Pirpanjal Range of Rajouri district, are crying for government attention.
"The callous approach of the government can be gauged from this fact that the base camp building of Tourist Circuit Darhal, constructed at a cost of Rs 70 Lakhs in 2012 by Rajouri Development Authority, is facing decay of time", he said.
The congress leader further said that the previous coalition government, headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad, had formulated several tourist development authorities in both border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
"Ironically, the tourism department, the only agency for promotion of tourism is not paying attention on the ambitious projects for the development of the areas", he added. Malik further said that furniture installed in the complex has been stolen. "Furniture worth 20 Lakhs, went missing just after its installation but neither FIR nor any enquiry has been conducted by the department so far" he regretted..
Wild bushes can be seen on the building, he said and added that the complex is presently being used by locals to store their fodder.
When contacted, Chief Executive Officer, Rajouri Development Authority, Mohammed Rasheed said that due to paucity of funds, we are unable to maintain the building. "We don't have any separate funds, nor any care taker for the building, due to which, the building has been decaying day by day", he said. |
