Needs repair, renovation; says Minister
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 13: As BJP MLA from Katra Mata Vaishnodevi Baldev Sharma raised uproar over tourism assets lying defunct in Katra and Reasi and alleged fraud, Minister for Rural Development Javid Ahmad Dar informed the House that total 14 properties are currently under the Tourism Department’s administration in Reasi district.
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Dar responded to written question of Sharma on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds charge of the Tourism Department.
Sharma said the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) at Dera Baba was completed in 2013 but is lying defunct in the absence of furniture etc.
He also alleged fraud by the Tourism department in TRC Katra.
Minister Javid Dar, in his reply said that out of these 14 assets, only one property Tourist Cafeteria Bhambla (TRC Bhambla) is presently lying idle as the asset requires major repair and renovation works.
He added that due to its current physical state, it cannot be put to productive use until the necessary repairs are undertaken. He further informed that no specific authority or official is responsible for the asset remaining idle, as the non-utilization is solely due to the requirement of substantial renovation.
The Minister assured that the renovation and repair of the Tourist Cafeteria Bhambla will be taken up in the coming financial year, subject to permissibility.
Responding to the supplementary raised by Baldev Raj Sharma, the Minister reiterated that all other 13 tourism properties in Reasi district are in good condition and being utilized for public purposes.
He emphasized that the department is committed to maintain these assets to ensure continued public service and tourism promotion in the region.
Javid Dar reaffirmed commitment towards strengthening tourism infrastructure and ensuring optimal utilization of all its assets across the district.
Earlier, when the House proceedings began, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said there has been no ration supply in the depots of Jammu City even when 13 days of the month have passed.
Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma said the ration supply will reach by this evening where it hasn’t reached.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather directed that the Minister will ensure that the ration supply should reach as early as possible where it hasn’t reached.
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