Rs 3.50 cr spent but building remains unutilized
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 1: Constructed by the Tourism department with the project cost of Rs 5 crores, a two- storey building of Yatrika Niwas at Sukrakla Mata with allied facilities, in Billawar area of district Kathua, has been lying abandoned and unused for the last over 10 long years.
The purpose of raising this building for the benefit of the thousands of pilgrims visiting Mata Sukrala in Billawar Sub Division of Kathua has been defeated so far as this building which was completed during 2013-14, has not been put to use due to the callous attitude of the people at the helm of affairs, despite the fact that most of the infrastructure and other allied facilities were ready for the public purpose.
Situated in the thick trees of Chir- Pine and Kail, just hardly 200 meters before main Bus Stand at Sukrala village, this building has been most attraction for the visiting pilgrims and others as far as its location is concerned. But due to total neglect since long by the concerned Tourism authorities, the building has suffered damages at several places. Even the furniture lying in some of the rooms and lobby has got damaged and some items said to have been stolen from the building complex over the period of time.
The locals of the area claimed that they approached the then Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Director Tourism, Additional Deputy Commissioner Billawar and even CEO of Billawar Duggan Development Authority (BDDA), and sought their intervention but they only gave assurances but this building could not be put to use for the reason best known to the people in the BDDA and J&K Tourism Department.
Another prominent person of the area Pt Devender Sharma when contacted said that the condition of this new building has deteriorated. The then former Minister Dr Manohar Lal had got Rs 5 crore sanctioned for Yatrika Niwas at Sukrala besides a park, parking place and toilet complex. The work on this project started during 2009-10 and the building was completed by Tourism authorities within three years. They did not spend total amount as no parking place, park etc was created.
He pointed out that existing Bus/ Matador Stand at Sukrala Mata is not sufficient as during Navratras and days of rush, the people use to park their vehicles on road side. There is urgent need to create large bus stand and car parking slot. Some times massive traffic jam is created along the road due to parking along Sukrala-Billawar road. He said not only this building, another Yatri Niwas which was constructed by R&B Department with the cost of nearly Rs 1.25 crore near Temple, on Ashram road has also been not put to use. It has been locked since long. There was urgent need to open both these facilities for the visiting pilgrims, he added.
Another prominent person from Sukrala area, Pardeep Sharma said that Yatrika Niwas was completed about 10 years ago. ” We approached many senior officers in the Administration and even took deputation to the Civil Secretariat Jammu several times. We received only assurances but the buildings were not put to use. The Tourism department officials claimed that this building has to be handed over to a private contractor for its operation. But for the last over 10 long years, they failed to do so,” Pardeep alleged.
Chief Executive Officer, Duggan-Billawar Development Authority (BDDA), Rajesh Lakhan when contacted claimed that BDDA wants to hand over this building complex to a private party for its functioning. Tenders were called several times, but due to less interest shown by the local parties the matter was delayed. He said prior to his posting here, his predecessors also tried at his level to invite tenders. It was 7th tender call now and one party has shown interest. Some urgent works are being initiated in the building and we hope to make this Yatri Niwas functional shortly, he added.
Replying to yet another question, CEO, BDDA said it was Rs 5 crore project including building, a park place and some allied facilities. The building has been completed with the cost of about Rs 3.5 crores. All the allied facilities including water and power connection are already there. He denied any theft of furniture, taps etc in the complex, claiming that they have kept a Chowkidar at the complex. Lakhan, however, claimed that this building will be made operational shortly.
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