Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, June 30: Though the State Tourism Department has taken over the properties of Dhirendra Brahmchari including Aparna Ashram at Mantalai in Sudhmahadev area of Chenani in district Udhampur besides multi-storey building and land in Jammu, yet there is no proper upkeep and further development of this hill resort which once was a major source of attraction, whereas, State Government claimed to have submitted a prestigious Rs 150 crore project for creation of Pilgrimage Circuit in Sudhmahadev–Mantalai area of Udhampur, Sufi Circuit in Kashmir and Buddhist Circuit in Leh.
Sources in the Tourism Department and local administration in Chenani revealed that due to ill-management of affairs and damage being caused to properties of late Dhirendra Brahmchari at Mantalai in the foothills of Seoj Dhar near Sudhmahadev, a great resentment among the people of the area is prevailing. This impressive picturesque and hill resort is in the state of shambles and the State Government has not paid any heed towards its further development and protect this valuable property. Even massive property items of Brahmchari have been stolen and some of them were lying in the houses of high officials and contractors of the area.
Though the place is hardly 55 to 60 kms from district headquarters Udhampur having good road link via Chenani but Tourism Department has made no investments at this hill resort which has great potential of tourism attraction. A large number of pilgrim tourisms to Mata Vaishnodevi can be diverted to Patnitop and Mantalai if this place is developed. It is great demand of the people of the area to improve road network and develop this place as tourism destination. Massive infrastructure and other property of the Ashram was gathering rust and getting damaged.
The sources indicated that there was no proper care and planning to utilize the remaining property for the promotion of tourism. The multi-storey building at Gandhi Nagar has also been badly damaged and there was no proper utilization of the complex. Many costly things have gone missing and there was no accountability at all.
During the previous budget session also, this issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly by some members from Jammu region and they had also suggested to frame a House Committee for having assessment of the properties and recommend suggestions for the utilization of the infrastructure. They had even suggested to have International Youth Hostel at this picturesque resort of Mantalai and to promote this place for adventure tourism.
A top official in the Tourism Department disclosed that the property of Aparna Ashram and the land measuring 1002 kanal at Mantalai was taken over by Patnitop Development Authority in 2009. Land transfer process was completed about an year later. He said the constructed and semi-constructed structures at Mantalai have also been handed over to the PDA which included Aparna Hotel and Restaurant, hanger for aircraft, petrol pump, air strip, semi-constructed hotel, cow sheds, personal residence of Swamiji, a double storey building, swimming pool, orchards, zoo, vehicles, bulldozer, road roller, construction equipment etc.
He claimed that Rs 14.60 lakh reported to have been spent so far on the upkeep of the Mantalai properties of Brahmchari. He further claimed that no property or item has disappeared or misplaced from the Ashram since taking over. Earlier, there may be such isolated incidents. He said for the development of Mantalai, a proposal is being prepared through M/s Jones Lang Lasalle Property Consultants India Ltd, which has been engaged by Ministry of Tourism (GOI) as State level project management agency.
He said Gandhi Nagar building of Brahmchari has been handed over to Directorate of Tourism for conducting training program of youth for skill development but at present this building is not in use.
Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmed Mir when contacted and asked for any proposal or plans of the department to promote this tourist place and develop Brahmcharis’s Ashram, said promotion of Sudhmahadev Mantalai pilgrim tourist resort was on the top priority of the State Government in this region. He said the place has great potential and it will be maximum efforts of the State to divert lakhs of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishnodevi shrine to Patnitop, Sudmahadev and Mantalai.
Mr Mir disclosed that a prestigious project worth Rs 150 crore has been submitted to the Government of India (MOT) for the pilgrims Circuit in Jammu region covering Sudhmahadev Mantalai, Sufi Circuit in Kashmir and Buddhist Circuit in Leh. The Ministry of Tourism had raised some queries but they have been adequately replied by the State. This project is likely to receive green nod from the Centre. As and when funds are released, the infrastructure development would be taken up at Mantalai, Sudhmahadev and Gauri Kund area. The road up-gradation issue will also be taken up with the concerned ministry and facilities for the tourists would be strengthened. A national level agency has already been deputed to have survey and recommend suggestions. The property of Brahmchari would also be developed and the place would be converted into a fascinating tourism destination, Mr Mir maintained.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel