Tourism Department’s Claim to Promote Tourism Fails to Generate Revenue
MLA Kar Chairs Maidan Public Darbar at the Guest House After 16 Years
WS/VP Special Correspondent
Sopore, April 16: After lying unused for over a decade, the tourist huts in the Watlab area of north Kashmir’s Sopore town were officially opened on Wednesday during a public forum chaired by Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar.
According to an official document, a copy of which lies with The Web Story/The Varmul Post, these huts were constructed in 2009 at a cost of ₹19 crore as part of a larger ₹38.15 crore project aimed at boosting tourism. However, the huts remained non-operational since their completion, failing to generate revenue and falling into disrepair.
Questions arise regarding the situation: Where did the money go? Why, despite claims of completion, have the huts not been used? What accounts for the significant gap after their completion? Who has taken care of these huts over the years? How much revenue has been generated, and how many tourists have visited?
In the recently held assembly session in Jammu, National Conference leader and MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar raised this issue.
In a written reply, the government responded, as per The Web Story/The Varmul Post, that the Department of Tourism has outlined the assets developed in Watlab, Sopore, to enhance visitor facilities. These include:
- Six double-bedroom huts
- A five-bedroom guest house
- A chowkidar hut
- A cafeteria
While the department claims these assets are not defunct, it has acknowledged the need for renovations. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is in place for necessary repairs, including:
- Sanitary fittings
- Drainage system restoration
- Painting and other related work
These renovations are part of the current year’s Capital Expenditure (Capex) budget.
To further improve the tourism infrastructure in the Sopore Constituency, a project titled “Upgradation of Assets: Cafeteria, 6 Double-Room Huts with Kitchen, Meeting Hall, 5-Bedroom Guest House, etc. at Watlab Sopore” has been proposed for the 2024-25 Capex budget. The financial details for this project are as follows:
- Project Cost: ₹48.82 lakhs
- Approved Allocation: ₹10.00 lakhs
- Funds Released: ₹8.00 lakhs
This plan demonstrates the department’s commitment to enhancing tourism facilities in the region and addressing any existing deficiencies.
Meanwhile, the long-delayed opening coincided with a public darbar conducted by MLA Kar at the site, which drew significant participation from local residents on Wednesday.
According to sources, officials from the Rural Development Department (RDD), Tourism Department, and Food Department attended the event to address community grievances.
Key discussions focused on developmental challenges in the Dangarpora block, including infrastructure gaps, tourism promotion, and public welfare schemes.
MLA Kar issued directives to the relevant departments to expedite solutions to the issues raised, emphasizing the need for timely action and accountability.
“This project was envisioned to enhance Watlab’s tourism potential and create livelihoods. It is unfortunate that it remained dormant for so long. We are committed to reviving it and ensuring that such delays do not recur,” Kar stated during the event, as sources added.
