Underscoring the need for time bound completion of ongoing tourism projects in the State, the Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmed Mir has stressed upon the concerned authorities for proper monitoring of the works to ensure utilization of quality building material and judicious use of funds.Reviewing physical and financial status of Naagarnagar–Watlab tourism circuit being developed at an estimated cost of Rs. 38.14 crore under Development of Mega Tourism Circuit programme at a meeting held here today, the Tourism Minister emphasized upon the concerned to submit utilization certificates for release of next installment of funds from the Centre for early completion of the project. He also instructed for submitting composite report of different components of the project to the administrative department for inspection of the works.Receiving the appraisal of the project components, the Minister was informed that against the Project cost of Rs 38.14 Crore, Centre has released Rs. 15 crore against which Rs. 13.17 crore have been expended till date on the construction of several works under the project. He was informed that development of Eco park at Pokhribal lake, conservation of various monuments, public convenience at Naagarnagar, development of land around Naraanag spring and tourist accommodation, Visitor interpretation center at Watlab have been completed at the total cost of Rs. 5.89 crore while as the construction work on Rs. 1.7 crore visitors interpretation center, restaurant at Naagarnagar is at its final stage of completion.
The Minister was also apprised that development of Lake Discovery and Interpretation Park at Nagin Pokhribal would be executed through LAWDA at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.22 crore. He was informed that 75% work on restoration and repairs of Rampart wall around Hari Parbat Fort Srinagar have been completed. While as development of Water Park along the Pokhribal Lake by way of construction of boat club, landscaping, construction of path and parking, besides jetties are apace at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.23 crore and so far Rs. 70 lakh have been incurred on these works.
Meanwhile, the Minister also reviewed the status of construction of tourist accommodation at Cheshmashai, where 10 huts are to be constructed at the total cost of Rs. 3 crore to upgrade infrastructure facilities for tourists.The Minister instructed the authorities of LAWDA and JKTDC to maintain close coordination and settle pending issues creating hurdles in timely completion of these huts. Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Atal Dulloo, Vice Chairman LAWDA, Mr. Irfan Yaseen, Director Tourism Kashmir, Mr. Talat Parvez, Managing Director JKTDC were among other senior officers attended the meeting.