Minister for Animal & Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Ghani Kohli today said that State Government is keen to bring Kalakote on tourism map and development of major tourism destinations in the areas is being focused upon.The Minister said this while visiting the proposed site for construction of artificial lake near Kalakote and tourism infrastructure at Tatapani hot-springs located at 40KM from Rajouri.He also reviewed the existing tourist facilities at Tatapani and directed the Tourism Development Authority for a comprehensive DPR to develop facilities at the hot springs.The Minister also inspected the tourist accommodation created by Department of Tourism at Tatapani and asked for its maintenance through outsourcing.Kohli exhorted upon the officers to develop innovative components for artificial lake and hot-springs to woo the tourists and create durable assets. He also reviewed the progress on construction of link road to Manma Mata shrine near Khargala in Kalakote.Interacting with people at Tatapani, he issued instructions to concerned departments for looking into the issues raised by people especially rural infrastructure, electric maintenance and regular water supply.
Appreciating the District Administration for holding a series of camps in far flung areas and issuing more than 15000 certificates in a short time, he said that it reflects the commitment of Government for public service delivery at doorsteps and expressed satisfaction that this model is being replicated in other districts too. Earlier, District Development Commissioner Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary informed that the project of Artificial Lake has been proposed for an estimated cost of Rs 4.22 crore which would include a dam, public conveniences, park, walking paths and tracks, parking place, landscaping, children park, dedicated power feeder. The project is being planned under convergence and regular plan of RDA.CEO RDA briefed the Minister about proposed development of separate waiting halls for men and women, development of spring and public conveniences at Tatapani hotsprings.It was decided during the visit that a proper layout plan will be developed for vicinity of hot-springs for better landscaping and creating open spaces.ACR Abdul Qayoom Mir, CEO RDA Showkat Malik, SDM Kalakote Khalid Wafa and district officers accompanied the Minister.