Doda admin plans development of more amenities at tourist destinations of Bhaderwah

Bhaderwah (Doda) : District Development Commissioner Doda, Vikas Sharma has asked Bhaderwah Development Authority to formulate DPRs for development of new amenities and maintenance of existing Tourist infrastructure in Jai valley, Padri, Khallani, Ghata, Gupt Ganga and other tourist locations within a week.Vikas Sharma issued the directions while chairing a meeting after conducting an extensive tour of the Bhaderwah Valley. He also met various deputations including Tour and Travel Agencies and Hoteliers.The DDC reviewed the functioning of BDA and other sectors including PHE, PWD, RDD, PDD, MC, PMGSY and Forest departments. Chief Executive Officer, BDA gave a detailed PowerPoint Presentation on the working of the BDA. He was advised to take up the matter with the Tourism Department regarding the deputation of officers for filling up vacant posts. Instructions were issued to submit DPRs for development of better amenities for the tourists at the potential places.Directions were also issued for submission of revenue generating assets and conduct of Audit of the Authority. DC directed for time-bound issuance of NOCs and building Permissions by the line departments and publicizing Master Plan, besides initiating process for its review. He asked the CEO BDA to immediately convene the meeting of BOCA for the purpose. He was also directed to give wide publicity to the tourist places of Bhaderwah by erecting publicity hoardings on highways and pilgrimage routes.

The DDC Doda also reviewed the action taken by various departments on the directions passed on in previous meetings. It was informed that the blacktopping work on Pul Doda-Bhaderwah and Ghata Road would be started in September. Directions were issued for pursuing the construction of Bhaderwah Revenue complex under languishing Project. The PWD authorities were directed to vigorously follow up the Padri Road maintenance/removal of slips/boulders with the Administrative department.The steps to promote major Yatras, socio-cultural and religious festivals in the area were also discussed in the meeting.A deputation of Tour and Travel Agency, Hoteliers demanded implementation of Master Plan, commencing the work on Chattergala–Suez link and privatization of TRC Dandi and Chopper services to tourist spots on high altitudes lacking road connectivity like Seojdhar, Kailash and Bhal Padri to meet the requirements of General Public. They also raised the issue of delay in developing the proposed Sound and Light system at Bhadarwah Fort. The DDC assured that the issues raised would be addressed by the concerned authorities on priority basis.On the complaint about dumping of muck into the river/nallah at bridge construction site in Nalthi by GREF, instructions were issued to ADC, Fisheries, I&FC departments to look into the matter.Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah and SP Bhaderwah were asked to take strict action against encroachments and parking on road-sides to facilitate traffic decongestion.The meeting was attended by ADC Bhaderwah, DFO Bhaderwah, Tehsildar Bhaderwah, Executive Officer M.C Bhadarwah Ex En PWD, PHE, I&FC, BMO Bhaderwah, besides other officers/officials of various departments were also present.