Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, said that government will construct state-of-art tourist gateway at Check-i-Wagund Anantnag.The Divisional Commissioner said this while reviewing the rehabilitation process of 156 shopkeepers which were affected by the displacement of Lower Munda Toll Plaza.The meeting was informed that District Administration had identified 55 kanals of proprietary land at Check-i-Wagund. This chunk of land situated at the tri-junction of National Highway 444, Hillar Railway Station and opening tube of Qazigund-Banihal upcoming tunnel which is the most feasible place to construct Tourist Gateway (Tourist Facilitation Centre cum shopping plaza) for such tourists who are arriving the valley through road or rail link.It was further informed that Rs 110 crore DPR has been formulated by the District Administration for construction of Tourist Gateway and rehabilitation of the affected shopkeepers.
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir directed R&B Department to bear the cost of Rs 10 Crores to purchase 55 kanals of land from their proprietors at Check-i-Wagund Anantnag.He also directed Tourism Department to construct state-of-art Tourist Gateway under SWADESH scheme in collaboration with NHAI which will contribute 50% project cost as per the DPR.Khan asked representatives of INTACH to visit the site and made the architectural design of Tourist Gateway according to the local ambience which includes 300 shops, swimming pool, recreational items, sports court, landscaping and other tourism leisure facilities in this grand arcade.On the occasion, Div Com said that tourism is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and the government is committed to provide all facilities to the tourists for raising the economy graph.Deputy Director Tourism, Project Director NHAI, SE R&B, Assistant Commissioner, representative of INTACH and other concerned officers were present in the meeting, while as Deputy Commissioner Anantnag participated in the meeting via video conferencing.