Tourist hut at Naranag shall be completed after Forest department verification: CM Omar Abdullah

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Minister Incharge of the Tourism Department, today informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that the construction work of the Tourist Hut at Naranag, initiated in 2010, remains incomplete due to land-related disputes and site complications.

Replying to question raised by MLA Mian Mehar Ali during the Question Hour of the ongoing Budget Session, the Chief Minister stated that around 70 percent of the construction work had been completed before the project was halted.

He explained that the work was stopped following objections raised by a local resident, who demanded compensation or employment in lieu of the land, resulting in obstruction and suspension of further construction.

The Chief Minister further informed the House that the matter was subsequently taken up with the Revenue authorities. A report furnished by the Tehsildar Kangan clarified that the hut is located on forest land beyond the boundary line of the estate of Wangath.

He added that the issue has now been taken up with the Divisional Forest Officer, Sindh Forest Division, Ganderbal, to obtain the relevant land records of the site situated at Doshardi Morh, Naranag, and that the matter continues to be pursued.

He further noted that in view of the unresolved dispute and pending site-related issues, no additional funds have been projected under any scheme so far. The Chief Minister assured the House that the exact details would be retrieved and shared once available.