Veer Hygam tourism assets in ruins as HNTDA continues to function without staff

Baramulla, May 7: Tourism infrastructure developed at Veer Hygam in north Kashmir’s Sopore area is falling into disrepair as the Hygam Ningli Tarzoo Development Authority (HNTDA) continues to operate without a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or dedicated staff.

The authority was established by the government to promote tourism and recreational activities along the wetlands and Jhelum banks while creating livelihood opportunities, particularly for the local fishing community.

However, several years after its formation, HNTDA is yet to become fully functional.

At present, the additional charge of CEO HNTDA is being held by the Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA).

Locals and officials said the absence of permanent staff and proper monitoring has resulted in neglect of infrastructure developed at Veer Hygam, an emerging tourist destination near Sopore.

Recently, a local resident shared a video on social media highlighting the deteriorating condition of government buildings at the site, alleging that the structures had become a refuge for drug addicts due to lack of maintenance and security.

The video showed damaged infrastructure, littered rooms and the presence of bottles, tablets and syringes inside the buildings.

“The department developed this area as a tourist destination, but there is no proper watch and ward,” the resident said in the video.

Officials said no permanent manpower was provided to HNTDA after its constitution.

“The assets have been looked after by GDA since last year, but there is no dedicated staff available,” an official said.

He said the government had not shown adequate interest in strengthening the project and several structures at the site had deteriorated over time.

The official also said casual labourers engaged for maintenance were brought from south Kashmir instead of hiring locals.

“A demand for permanent staff in HNTDA has been pending for a long time, but nothing has been done so far,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer, GDA, Tariq Hussain, who is also holding additional charge of HNTDA, said efforts were being made to restore and maintain the assets.

“We have renovated one building so that chowkidars can remain stationed there for protection of the assets,” he said.

Hussain said renovation work had been carried out on buildings and other infrastructure at Veer Hygam and added that the assets would soon be outsourced.

“Once outsourced, the spot has the potential to become a major facilitation centre for tourists,” he said.