The structure was declared unsafe and damaged but “We tried to maintain the basic structure and kept spirit alive. We renovated 1st floor, which was totally damaged due to negligence, into two art galleries – main and picture gallery” says Saima Iqbal, consultant architect, INTACH. “Gallery is open for students, locals and tourists for educational purpose of Kashmiri culture. We can use it as a changing exhibition,” adds Saima.
The next project of INTACH in collaboration with Tourism Department is the revival of Nagar Nagar, the oldest Mughal city surrounding the fort.
Kehwah – Radio cab:
Dialing number (0194) 243 243 or just an SMS is very soon going to change the way of hiring transport for middle class families in Srinagar. It is going to be a service for the commonman. In Kashmir people have to move out to catch public transport but these taxis will be available at the doorstep. Three young minds – Sheikh Imran (Director Kashmir Sunsilk), Dr Amit Wanchoo (event manager) and Wahid (Bikers’ Tour) are introducing a new concept of Radio Taxi in Kashmir.
Radio cab facility by Kehwah is going to start soon. A passenger has to send an SMS, his address with timing from where he has to be picked up. “Air conditioned radio cabs will be a respite for those people who don’t have their personal cars. Some times in case of emergencies, during nights, people have to call their neighbors but now their problem will be solved. We just want to give worldclass facility which is available everywhere,” says Sheikh Imran. Kehwah is just an implementing agency, actually it was an idea of Chief Secretary of J&K.
Radio cabs are plying on the roads of Mumbai and Delhi but it is for the first time in Srinagar that such cars have been introduced. Initially 50 radio cabs will be running on the routes of Srinagar. They will be having GPS equipment, map software, electronic meter, credit card swiper, panic button and immobiliser will be used. Passengers will be charged per kilometers (30 rupees) so there will be no chance of bargain and especially the tourists will not be cheated.
Sheikh Imran says, “We want to start radio cab service the way autos run on roads”.
“Everything cannot be done by the government, we need to support private sector so that we can have timely service. Tourism sector will be benefited with more and more private investments which will add to the facilities,” says Talat Parvez, Director Tourism.
This year government is more interested in Public-Private deals for the promotion of private sector and for the generation of employment. Department of Tourism has already started giving their state restaurants to private organisations on lease so to provide better services.
The Tourism is into many other projects as well including the revival of heritage buildings and monuments. “Besides the development of infrastructure in Wullar-Manasbal- a children’s park, open air caterer, club house building, sports central building, and a heritage house has been built,” says Nazir Ahmad, incharge Wullar-Manasbal Tourism Development Department.
The government has also started another scheme of Paying guest type accommodation where the owner is given a grant of 2 lakh rupees to upgrade one or two rooms in his house to the expectations of tourists. Presently 72 houses have been registered under this scheme of Government of India in Wullar-Manasbal area. The same scheme has also been started in Pahalgam and other tourist destinations.
Department of Tourism has also identified 50 new spots across Kashmir to be developed into tourist destinations. Among these only 15 are ready to host the tourists.
Mohammad Shafi, Publicity Officer, Tourism department says, in the beautification process of Srinagar, a cable car is going to start on the Red fort besides more light and sound shows in Hari Parbat and Shalimar. A craft bazaar, an evening bazaar around a busy place of Srinagar, Heritage walks around Zainakadal, Toy Train, Hip Hop bus are other projects going for open bidding and will be awarded to private parties. The Cable car projects in Doda and Ashmuqam will also be given to a private organisation.
A Rock Climbing wall is coming up by next spring at a cost of 95 lakh rupees close to the Nowgam Railway Station.
