JAMMU, FEB 13 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that it has no proposal under consideration for promotion or development of water sports projects in Sopore constituency.
In a written reply to a query raised by legislator Irshad Rasool Kar during the ongoing budget session, the government as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said neither the Tourism Department nor the Department of Youth Services & Sports is examining any such project for the north Kashmir constituency.
While Sopore has no scheme on the anvil, the government said a Centre for Water Sports for Kayaking, Canoeing and Rowing is already operational at Nehru Park. Another Water Sports Centre is coming up at Manasbal Lake where children from adjoining areas shall be imparted training once the project is completed.
The reply also detailed tourism infrastructure works in Ninglee and Watlab areas. At Ninglee Tourist Resort, the department has taken up fencing, parking, public convenience block, gazebo, watch and ward hut, landscaping, 100 KVA sub-station with 11 KV line and illumination works, besides shelter sheds.
At Watlab, six huts, a cafeteria, meeting hall, guest house, viewing deck and a public convenience block at Sangri Top have been renovated.
The government further told the House that development works at Hazrat Baba Shukur-ud-Din, Watlab, involving electrical works estimated at Rs 130 lakh, shall be considered for taking up under the State Capex Budget for 2026-27.
On expenditure, the government said an amount of Rs 382.28 lakh has been incurred since 2022-23 on development and maintenance of tourism properties in Sopore constituency. This includes Rs 133.77 lakh by the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir and Rs 147.51 lakh by the Hygam-Ningli-Tarzoo Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority, besides Rs 101 lakh through other agencies. (KNS)
