Officials say watch and ward staff deployed, locals hope move will unlock tourism potential of scenic destination
Pulwama: Tourism Department has announced that newly constructed tourist huts at the picturesque Shikargah area of Tral in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district will soon be made operational through outsourcing after necessary repairs.
An official of the tourism department told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the huts were constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) and were only recently handed over to the Tourism Department.
“The huts have been transferred to the Tourism Department. We have already deputed an official for the watch and ward of the assets to ensure they remain protected,” he said.
The official said the department has initiated the process of outsourcing and we hope everything will be normal very soon.
The assurance has been welcomed by residents, who had earlier urged the government to prevent the newly created infrastructure from falling into disrepair.
Basharat Ahmad, a resident of Tral, said locals had welcomed the government’s decision to establish tourist huts in Shikargah with the expectation that the project would strengthen tourism and create employment opportunities for local youth.
“We were disappointed to see the huts lying unattended for a long time. Proper maintenance and management are essential if these facilities are to benefit visitors and the local population,” he said.
Another resident, Abbas Ahmad, said public infrastructure should not remain idle after huge investments.
“If such facilities are maintained and operated properly, they can attract tourists, generate livelihoods and contribute to the local economy. We hope the government’s latest decision is implemented without further delay,” he said.
Shikargah has long been identified as one of Kashmir’s most promising eco-tourism destinations. In 2017, the government announced an ambitious plan to develop the area as a major picnic and tourist spot, including a proposal to connect Tral with the famous tourist resort of Pahalgam through a trekking route.
Situated at an altitude of nearly 2,130 metres, around 40 kilometres from Srinagar and just three kilometres from Tral town, Shikargah is known for its dense forests, sprawling meadows and breathtaking landscapes. The destination also houses the Hangul Conservation Breeding Centre, which has played a significant role in the conservation of the endangered Kashmir stag.
Historically, the area served as a favourite hunting retreat of Maharaja Hari Singh before being opened to the public in 2011 to promote tourism and support the local economy.
Despite witnessing a steady increase in tourist footfall over the years, residents believe that inadequate infrastructure management has prevented Shikargah from achieving its full tourism potential.
They expressed optimism that the proposed repairs and outsourcing of the huts would finally make the long-awaited facilities operational, improve visitor experience and create new employment opportunities for the youth of the area—(KNO)
