UDHAMPUR: Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department, Jammu and Kashmir, Avny Lavasa, IAS, on Thursday undertook an extensive tour of the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) jurisdiction, covering Kud, Patnitop and Sanasar, to review the functioning of the Authority and assess the progress of various ongoing developmental works.
She was accompanied by SDM Chenani Ranjit Singh, JKAS, and Assistant Director Tourism, Doda and Batote, Arif, JKAS.
Chief Executive Officer, PDA, Rakesh Dubey, JKAS, briefed the Secretary on the overall functioning of the Authority, its administrative framework, ongoing developmental initiatives, key challenges and future roadmap for transforming Patnitop and adjoining destinations into leading sustainable tourism hubs.
During the visit, Lavasa chaired a detailed review meeting with officers and interacted with the staff of the Authority. She issued necessary directions to improve administrative functioning and ensure effective implementation of tourism development initiatives.
The meeting witnessed detailed deliberations on major tourism infrastructure projects and initiatives, including implementation of the Master Plan, development of the Tulip Garden at Sanasar, eco-tourism promotion, community events, tourist attractions, waste management, cleanliness and revenue generation.
The Secretary reviewed several key infrastructure projects, including upgradation of the stone pathway from Sanasar Bus Stand towards Sanasar Lake, pathways at Children’s Park in Patnitop, drainage and solid waste management systems, Sanasar Golf Course, beautification of Sanasar Lake and Bus Stand, installation of solar streetlights, upgradation of high-mast and streetlights, and widening and strengthening of the Circular Road at Patnitop.
Emphasising timely execution and quality standards, Lavasa directed the executing agencies to accelerate the pace of ongoing works by deploying adequate manpower and machinery and ensure their completion within stipulated timelines. She also stressed effective monitoring and proper maintenance of all tourism assets.
Taking serious note of encroachments within the PDA jurisdiction, she directed the concerned authorities to conduct regular monitoring and daily inspections to prevent illegal encroachments and ensure planned and regulated development.
During her field visit to Sanasar, the Secretary inspected various ongoing developmental works, including the nine-hole golf course, bamboo huts, artificial waterfall and musical park pathway. She directed the executing agencies to expedite the completion of these projects.
She also instructed the CEO, PDA, to ensure that all public toilet facilities remain functional, clean and properly maintained for the convenience of tourists and visitors.
Meanwhile, a deputation of Ponywala representatives met the Secretary and projected their demands, including provision of sheds and improvement of tracks. Lavasa gave them a patient hearing and assured that their genuine issues would be examined and addressed on merit.
The extensive tour and review exercise reaffirmed the Tourism Department’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable tourism, improving visitor amenities and ensuring planned development of Patnitop, Kud and Sanasar as major tourism destinations of Jammu and Kashmir.
