Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that an amount of Rs. 279.83 lakh was spent during 2014–15 on the construction of the Yatri Base Camp at Sungli and rain shelter sheds at Kailash Kund, Bhaderwah.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said that in 2017, the asset was outsourced for a period of three years at Rs. 24 lakh. He further informed that it was again outsourced for ten years during 2024–25 at Rs. 26.25 lakh per year, with a 10 percent escalation after every year.
He said that the outsourcing was undertaken to strengthen the revenue base of the Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA), enabling it to meet day-to-day operational requirements such as the maintenance of parks and gardens, resorts, tourist huts, guest houses and other infrastructure.
Responding to a query on whether the government is planning to cancel the outsourcing of the Yatri sheds, the Chief Minister stated that the present government has inherited the situation, as the initial outsourcing took place earlier.
“It was outsourced before October 24, 2024, and has been given for ten years. The question of cancellation will require examination of the legal and financial implications. We will have to see whether it can be cancelled or not,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that while the decision was taken by the department at that time, the government will ensure that such outsourcing is avoided in the future.
“The existing contract is for ten years. After that, it should not be outsourced. New infrastructure that is to be created should be used for yatris and not outsourced,” he said.
The Chief Minister was replying to a question raised by MLA Bhaderwah, Daleep Singh, regarding steps taken for the construction of new Yatri sheds along the Roushra Mata, Kailash Yatra and Manimahesh Yatra routes in Bhaderwah constituency.
He informed the House that the Executive Engineer (R&B) Division Bhaderwah has been requested to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of shelter sheds, kiosks and public convenience complexes at various tourist locations in Bhaderwah, including the pilgrimage routes.
“The project shall be taken up under the relevant scheme, subject to approval by the competent authority and availability of funds,” the Chief Minister added.