Baramulla, May 25 (KNS): The residents of Watergam area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have expressed their dissatisfaction and displeasure over the construction of gate plaza by tourism department 3 kms away from the national highway and the main town.
Speaking to the Kashmir News Service (KNS), the residents expressed their concerns regarding the authorities' choice of location for constructing the gate and questioned why it was being built approximately 3 km away from the highway and the main town.
In order to promote recently discovered tourist destinations, the Tourism department is undertaking various promotional activities, including the installation of signages, sign boards, and the construction of Plaza gates in these areas.
As part of a similar initiative, the department has granted approval for the construction of a plaza gate in Dangiwacha village, estimated to cost Rs 30 lakh. However, this village is situated around 3 km away from the national highway and Watergam
Watergam residents expressed their opinion that the gate should be constructed along the Baramulla-Kupwara highway, closer to the town. They said the town said is the default gateway of Kandi Belt in Rafiabad connecting the area with the district.
“As the town is situated on the highway, tourists visiting theses destinations have to access the route via Watergam, thus it is important for administration to consult locals for its better location,” said Mudasir Ahmad, a local resident of Watergam.
The locals said they have been continuously meeting officials to construct the gate on highway close to the two, however, they have not received any positive response. (KNS)