Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 6: While the State Tourism Department has taken over the properties of Dhirendra Brahmchari including Aparna Ashram at Mantalai but just Rs 14.60 lakh has been spent for the up keep and development of the said property in last five years.
The issue regarding ill-management and damage being caused to properties of late Dhirendra Brahmchari at Mantalai and Gandhi Nagar in Jammu was raised by the Congress Member Ravinder Sharma during Question Hour in the Legislative Council. He alleged that massive infrastructure and other property of the Ashram was gathering rust and getting damaged. There was no proper care and planning to utilize the same for the promotion of tourism. The multi-storey building at Gandhi Nagar has also been badly damaged and there was no proper utilization. Many costly things have gone missing and there was no upkeep.
The Congress demanded that a House Committee be constituted which will have assessment of the property and recommend suggestions for the utilization of the infrastructure. NC member Ajatshtru Singh suggested that an International Youth Hostel be raised at picturesque resort of Mantalai and this place be promoted for adventure tourism.
Minister of State for Tourism Sajjad Kichloo said that property of Aparna Ashram except land measuring 1002 kanal at Mantalai was taken over by Patnitop Development Authority on 19-12-2009. The land was transferred to the PDA in February 2011. The constructed and semi-constructed structures at Mantalai have also been handed over to the PDA. They included Aparna Hotel and Restaurant, Hanger for aircraft, petrol pump, air strip, semi-constructed hotel, cow shed, personal residence of Swamiji, a double storey building, swimming pool, orchards, zoo, vehicles, bulldozer, road roller, construction equipment etc.
Mr Kichloo claimed that no property or any item has disappeared or misplaced from the Ashram since taking over. He said the development of Mantalai is being taken up on PPP mode as decided by a meeting chaired by Chief Minister. A detailed proposal is being prepared through M/s Jones Lang Lasalle Property Consultants India Ltd, who has been engaged by Ministry of Tourism (GoI) as State level project management agency. He said Gandhi Nagar building of the Brahmchari has been handed over to Directorate of Tourism Jammu for conducting training program of youth for skill development. At present this building is not in use. Jugal Kishore and Naresh Gupta also raised supplimentaries and stressed for house committee but the Minister said that Committee of Tourism Department was already there and the members can assist the same. The Chairman then directed to extend the scope of the committee for helping Government.
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