Minister for Education, Mr. Naeem Akhter today informed the House that 13 tourism works had been taken up at a cost of Rs. 3.28 crore under CAPEX Budget in Banihal constituency against which Rs. 1.67 crore has been incurred on these works upto last financial year. He said that five tourism works in the area have been completed while as the construction on rest of works is at different stages of completion.Replying to a question by Mr. Vikar Rasool Wani, the Minister said that constituency is not a unit for development of tourism. However, funds are being allotted on the basis of identified tourist spot/destination.The Minister said that no insurance claim against the gutted tourist Dak Bunglow at Banihal has been received till date by the Department. He said that the case is still lying with the insurance agencies as the insurer is invoking depreciation clause and the final outcome would be known at the time of settlement.
The Minister said that the work on construction of Dak Bunglow comprising of 7 double bedrooms and one restaurant is in progress with an estimated cost of Rs. 60 lakhs and the same is likely to be completed shortly.The Minister said that the Tourism Department has kept the provision for development of park at Banihal during 2014-15 at an estimated cost of Rs. 32 lakh. He said, however, the project could not be taken up due to non-availability of land. The Minister said that at present there is no proposal for creation of Banihal Tourism Development Authority.The Minister assured the House that concerned department would be instructed to speed up construction of ongoing tourism works in Banihal constituency for their time bound completion. He said that 4-lanning/upgradation of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will turn the highway itself into a tourist destination and the Government would create tourist related facilities on the Highway including Banihal area.