Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi informed the House that Union Tourism Ministry has sanctioned a project for development of tourist facilities at Panchari costing Rs.7.01 crore under PMDP.Replying to a question by legislator Dina Nath Bhagat, the Minister said that the drinking water and electricity to Patnitop, Kud, Sudmahadev and Mantali tourist sports is being supplied by the Power Development and Public Health Engineering Departments as per schedule. He said the concerned departments are taking fresh initiatives to provide adequate power and water supply to these areas.Responding to another part of the question, Priya Sethi said that 14 hoteliers had encroached forest land at Patnitop, of which 9 have been evicted. She added that no encroachment of forest land by hoteliers has been reported at Kud, Sudmahadev and Mantalai.
The Minister said that the circular road (5 KM) in the jurisdiction of Patnitop Development Authority is in good condition and traffic worthy. During current year 2.70 kilometre stretch has been blacktopped by PWD (R&B) Department and remaining 2.30 kilometres would be blacktopped in the upcoming summer season, she informed.