Srinagar, Feb 11 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday informed the House that construction of the Tourist Hut at Naranag in Ganderbal district, taken up in 2010, remains incomplete due to land-related disputes, although nearly 70 percent of the work had been completed.
Replying to a starred question tabled by MLA Mian Mehar Ali, the Tourism Department, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the construction of the tourist facility was initiated in 2010 and a substantial portion of the work was executed before it was halted.
The government said the work was stopped following objections raised by a local resident, late Sain Bujran, and his son, who demanded compensation or employment in lieu of the land, leading to stoppage of construction.
It said the matter was subsequently taken up with the Revenue authorities. The Tehsildar Kangan, in his report, clarified that the tourist hut is located on forest land beyond the boundary of the Wangat estate.
The issue has now been taken up with the Divisional Forest Officer, Sindh Forest Division, Ganderbal, for verification of land records pertaining to the site at Doshardi Morh, Naranag.
The matter is being pursued,” the government said.
Regarding funds, the government said the work was executed by the Tourism Department, but exact details of the funds sanctioned for the project could not be retrieved as several old records were damaged or lost during the September 2014 floods.
It said that in view of the pending dispute and unresolved site-related issues, no additional funds have been projected under any scheme so far.
The government added that exact financial details will be retrieved and shared once the records are compiled—(KNO)