Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Sardar Javed Ayoub on Monday pledged to make the Forest Recreational Park at Baroora, Chattar Klas, a model tourist destination and directed the authorities concerned to complete all necessary steps for reopening it to the public at the earliest.
“Promoting tourism in the state is our government’s top priority, and the Baroora Park, developed with public funds, will be turned into a model recreational site so that both the local population and visitors from outside can enjoy a healthy environment,” he said during a visit to the park, located about 20 kilometres from here along the main highway.
Spread over 350 kanals, the park was developed with an investment of Rs140 million provided by the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Company under its corporate social responsibility initiative. Conceived as a sustainable recreational facility, the project was aimed at promoting tourism, supporting the local economy and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Contracts for the development work were awarded in December 2017 to 12 contractors after completion of codal formalities. Although the project was scheduled for completion in June 2019, it was formally inaugurated on December 14, 2019 by the then AJK prime minister, Raja Farooq Haider.
Despite its inauguration and initial public interest, the park’s operationalisation remained stalled due to prolonged administrative delays, mainly concerning its rental policy.
Under the Financial Power Rules 2011, the facility was initially to be rented out for one year. However, proposals were later made to extend the lease period to three to five years and subsequently to 30 years, leading to procedural complications.
The matter remained pending at various administrative levels, including the chief secretary’s office, for years without a final decision.
Officials said repeated revisions in proposals, amendments to rules and changes in administrative leadership delayed the process, preventing the park from becoming fully functional and generating revenue as originally envisaged.
In January this year, fresh directions were issued to float new tenders for renting out the facility, and the process is expected to commence next week — more than six years after its inauguration.
During his visit, Mr Ayoub inspected different sections of the park and the facilities constructed there. Expressing concern over its closure, he directed the Forest Department to expedite repair, cleanliness and renovation work so that the park could be reopened without further delay.
He said basic amenities, including provision of clean drinking water, seating arrangements and walkways, would be ensured for visitors. He also directed officials to take measures to make the project financially sustainable and capable of contributing to the state’s revenue.
The minister said he would personally monitor progress to remove any remaining bottlenecks and vowed that, in collaboration with local residents, such recreational sites would be developed in a manner that created employment opportunities while safeguarding wildlife and maintaining environmental standards.
Source: Dawn News
