Jammu Tawi, July 27:
The much lingered on Water Sports Centre at Ranjit Sagar Reservoir seems to have got some momentum today when the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer chaired a meeting to discuss the final modalities of development of the necessary infrastructure for holding national and international competitions, besides attracting high end tourists to the picturesque surroundings of Basohli area.
The Administration, that got into motion after a string was pulled by the Raj Bhawan recently for completing the stuck up project.
The Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull informed that a joint visit was conducted by Sports Council, Youth Services & Sports and team of Revenue of Kathua district administration for spot inspection and a patch of land measuring 07 Kanal and 09 Marlas was identified for the establishment of the centre. She said after finalizing the site and inviting tenders, J&K Sports Council has allotted the project to L1 at an estimated cost of Rs 3 Crore and the execution would be started soon.
Div Com directed the Deputy Commissioner Kathua to immediately transfer the identified land in favour of J&K Sports Council to facilitate the start of work on the Water Sports Centre building without delay.
The water sports centre building would be fully equipped with all facilities including a gymnasium, dormitory for boys and girls, changing rooms, conference hall, auditorium, VIP Lounge, Medical Centre, Food-Court etc. The water sports activities will be held under the guidance of an international coach. The boys and girls will be trained here for national and international-level water sports events.
Div Com directed the Secretary Sports Council to start with holding water sports activities at the already existing Jetty Point developed by Bani Basohli Development Authority as the outsourced boats are regularly operating in that area.
The DC Kathua was directed to issue the NOCs, if required for the project, while PWD officials were asked to assess the approach roads leading to the identified spots and take necessary action.
The Div Com said Development of new attractions for promotion of tourism is one of the priority sectors of the UT Government. He said with the start of water sports in Ranjit Sagar Reservoir area, Basohli & adjoining area will emerge as a tourist hub.
The project had been sanctioned under PMDP around three years back but could not take off due to various reasons; and now only after the directions from the office of LG; project activities have been expedited.
