M Majid Malik
Bhaderwah
Forest department has failed to utilize funds to the tune of Rs 24 Lac sanctioned under Constituency Development Fund by Member Legislative Council Naresh Kumar Gupta for the construction of some huts, toilets and drinking water facility in tourist destination Padri of Bhaderwah.
Taking a dig at the forest department, MLC Naresh Gupta claimed that the department failed to utilize funds Rs 24 Lac provided by him six months back for upgrading the services for visiting tourist at Padri Bhaderwah.
He said due to the negligence of the department, tourists are facing hardships.
“The area has great tourism potential which can attract tourists from Jammu, Himachal Pradesh and development of tourist infrastructure in major tourist destinations will take the Bhaderwah valley tourist profile to new high but forest department has disappointed me,” MLC maintained.
He said he himself identified various spots suitable for developing way side facilities and directed the concerned forest officers to prepare the revenue papers of the identified sites so that work on these facilities could be started at the earliest but there response is very cold.
“Everything including roads, sanitation, huts, toilets, drinking water facility, cleanliness and electricity remains out of order in Padri area.
“The claims of the government about the development of tourist destinations and roads is nothing more than a big lie. There is no comprehensive plan with the authorities about the development of this world famous scenic spot,” he said
