Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced plans to develop tourism infrastructure at Peer-Ki-Gali and Dubjan in Shopian district, aiming to enhance the region’s tourism potential.
Responding to a query by MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay, the concerned Minister stated that four single-bedroom huts have already been constructed at Bohrihalan, Shopian, under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with a sanctioned cost of Rs 166.12 lakh. Additionally, tourism-related infrastructure projects worth Rs 466.51 lakh have been developed across Shopian under the same scheme.
Under the CAPEX budget, 12 projects amounting to Rs 261 lakh have been completed, while 8 new works with an estimated cost of Rs 84 lakh are set to begin in the 2024-25 financial year.
However, since Peer-Ki-Gali and Dubjan fall under the jurisdiction of the Forest and Wildlife Department, new construction is currently restricted. To address this, the Tourism Department has initiated the construction of a cafeteria and public convenience facility at Hirpora, on the way to Peer-Ki-Gali, at a project cost of Rs 35 lakh under the State CAPEX Budget 2024-25. The identification and transfer of land for the project are underway.
Additionally, a proposal for staff rationalization is under active consideration to ensure adequate manpower in the Tourism Development Authority overseeing the region.(DD)