Uncertainty prevails over development of Dherinder Brahmchari Ashram

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 28: Though the property of Dherinder Brahm- chari (Aparna Ashram) was taken over by the Patnitop Development Authority more than four years back yet uncertainty continued to prevail over its development and bringing the same on tourism map of the State.
This came to the fore in the written reply of Tourism Minister to the question of Congress MLA, Krishan Chander Bhagat in the Legislative Assembly.
The property of Aparna Ashram at Mantalai was taken over by the PDA on December 12, 2009 and land measuring 1002 kanals and 8 marlas was transferred to PDA in February 2011, the Minister informed the House, adding “the development of Aparna Ashram at Mantalai is being taken up on PPP mode as decided during the 16th meeting of Patnitop Development Authority chaired by the Chief Minister.
“The PPP policy of the State Government is under finalization and once the same is finalized the development of Aparna Ashram Mantalai will be taken up on PPP mode”, the Minister said.
The constructed and semi-constructed structures along with other material have already been handed over to PDA include Aparna Hotel with restaurant, hanger for aircraft, petrol pump, air strip, under construction hotel, cow shed, residence of Swami AJi, a double storey building, swimming pool, orchards, roads and zoo besides vehicles, construction equipment, aircraft damaged in crash, bulldozer and road roller.
About the cable car project from Karla Patnitop to Panchote-Kud, the Minister said that the Central Empowered Committee has forwarded its recommendations to the Supreme Court of India and Advocate on Record for the State has been approached to file an application for early hearing in the Apex Court.
“As and when the case is cleared by the Supreme Court, the same will be put before the Forest Advisory Committee of J&K for clearance of the project and the work will be started as soon as the case is cleared by the FAC and State Cabinet”, the Minister said.