Waseem Ahmad
SRINAGAR, Mar 19: The Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) building at Athwatoo village of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district is craving to begin its work as Government has failed to inaugurate it for past two years.
The Tourist building which was developed with an estimated cost of Rs 4 crores by Manasbal Development Authority is lying defunct for last two years as Government is yet to finalize date for the inauguration of the building.
The first of its kind Tourist building with 10 rooms, dining hall and a kitchen wears a modern look and is a perfect place for the comfortable stay for the tourists.
Locals of the area said that they are eagerly waiting for the opening of the tourist building as it will attract more tourists. “We are very excited about the opening of the TRC building as it will help in attracting more tourists in the area,” a local resident said
He said the tourist building if thrown open will help in providing employment to local youth as the area is famous for fishing and foreign as well as domestic tourists often visit the place.
Locals also said that despite completion of the building, authorities are un-necessarily delaying its opening. “Despite spending crores of rupees for this building, we fail to understand what is forcing Government to inaugurate this building, they said.
However, sources said the delay in inauguration of the tourist building is because of a tussle between two political leaders of Bandipora.
Chief Executive officer, Manasbal Development Authority, said that the delay in opening of the building for tourists and public was due to the issue of funds which has been sorted out now. “The project was initiated under Central funding and all the funds were utilized but there were some works pending for which we asked State Government for the funds,” he said
He said the tourist building is complete and will be soon thrown open for the public and tourists. “The building is complete and will soon be inaugurated,” he said
Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Sajad Hussain also said that the tourist building is complete and will be opened before the beginning of tourist season this year.
Asked about the issue of tussle between two political leaders for the delay in the inauguration of the building, he said: “The inauguration was delayed due to some pending works and there is no political issue regarding it.”
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