Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has acknowledged that the construction of a Tourist Hut at Naranag, initiated in 2010, remains incomplete due to a prolonged land-related dispute.
Replying to a question in the Assembly, the government stated that nearly 70 percent of the construction work had been completed before the project was halted. The work reportedly stopped following objections raised by a local resident, late Shri Sain Bujran, and his son, who sought compensation or employment in exchange for the land.
The matter was subsequently referred to the Revenue Department for clarification. As per a report submitted by the Tehsildar concerned, the structure is located on forest land beyond the boundary limits of Wangath estate. Authorities have now taken up the issue with the Divisional Forest Officer, Sindh Forest Division, Ganderbal, to obtain the relevant land records pertaining to the site at Doshardi Morh, Naranag.
Officials said the matter is currently under active consideration.
Regarding the funds sanctioned for the project, the government informed the House that the work was executed by the Tourism Department. However, exact financial details could not be retrieved as several old records were reportedly damaged or lost during the September 2014 floods.
In view of the pending land dispute and unresolved site issues, no additional funds have been allocated under any scheme for the completion of the project so far. Authorities stated that precise financial details would be shared once records are reconstructed or retrieved.
The Tourist Hut project was originally envisioned to boost tourism infrastructure in the scenic Naranag area of central Kashmir.
