Pulwama, Mar 09 (KNO): The Tourism Department said the newly constructed tourist huts at the scenic Shikargah area of Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district will soon be outsourced after minor repairs, following growing concerns from locals over the infrastructure lying unused.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Assistant Director Tourism, Sheikh Enayatullah, said the huts were constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) and were handed over to the Tourism Department only recently.
He said an official has already been deputed for the watch and ward of the said assets.
The department has also initiated steps to ensure that the infrastructure becomes operational soon. “We have already written to the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department for framing estimates for minor repairs required at the site. Once the necessary repairs are completed, the huts will be outsourced so that they can be properly managed and made available for tourists,” an official said.
Tral and its adjacent residents had alleged that the newly constructed huts worth crores of rupees were lying abandoned and deteriorating due to the lack of maintenance.
The government had earlier announced plans to develop Shikargah as a major picnic and eco-tourism destination in Tral to boost tourism in the region. The proposal also included connecting Tral with the famous tourist resort of Pahalgam through a trekking route.
Located at an altitude of around 2,130 metres and nearly 40 kilometres from Srinagar, Shikargah is known for its dense forests, lush meadows and breathtaking landscapes. The area also houses the Hangul Conservation Breeding Centre, which plays a crucial role in protecting the endangered Kashmir stag.
Historically, Shikargah also holds significance as it was once a favourite hunting retreat of Maharaja Hari Singh. The area was officially opened to the public in 2011 with the aim of promoting tourism and supporting the local economy.
While the number of visitors to the area has gradually increased in recent years, residents say the lack of proper infrastructure management has prevented Shikargah from realising its full tourism potential. They expressed hope that the government’s decision to repair and outsource the huts will help revive the facilities and attract more tourists to the destination—(KNO)