Several deputations called on the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, here this morning and presented memoranda relating to their concerns.During his meeting with a delegation of Kashmir Houseboat Owners’ Association (KHBOA), led by Hamid Wangnoo, the Chief Minister stressed upon the need to take steps for realignment of houseboats at Doldum which, inter alia, will also facilitate proper sewerage and drainage disposal. He also stressed upon the delegation to work on offering attractive tour packages to increase occupancy levels.The Cabinet has recently sanctioned Rs.29.50 crore for realignment of houseboats in the Dal Lake. Under the plan, 380 houseboats will be shifted and aligned at Doldum with 76 adjusted in each of the five bays by undertaking land and shoreline development as well as providing sewer connectivity.
In his meeting with a delegation of Centaur Hotel Employees' Union, Mufti Sayeed said he has taken up the issue of optimally utilizing the property at such a prime location with the Union Tourism & Civil Aviation Minister, Mahesh Sharma. He said the revival of Centaur Lakeview Hotel will go a long way in creating additional accommodation for high-end tourists in the summer capital.The delegation, which was led by Peer Mohammad Ismail, also presented a memorandum to the Chief Minister in which it listed some of the demands of the union.Situated on the banks of famed Dal Lake, the Centaur Lakeview Hotel has a bed capacity of 1200 and is ideally located to attract upmarket travellers.A deputation from Kastigarh, Doda, led by Chuni Lal, also called on the Chief Minister and requested for creating opportunities of employment for educated and skilled youth by starting development projects in the region. It also demanded up-gradation of six-km road stretch from Kastigarh to Shamthi which will provide much-needed connectivity to the people in a far-flung and remote area of the state.The Chief Minister assured the delegations to have their demands looked into for appropriate action.