Srinagar, March 8 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced that the government is planning to construct a Yatri Niwas and a cafeteria at Sharda Devi Temple in Teetwal, near the Line of Control (LoC).
Responding to a starred question by National Conference legislator Javid Ahmad Mirchal in the Assembly, Abdullah, who also oversees the tourism department, said a detailed project report is being prepared for the facility at an estimated cost of ₹1.5 crore.
The temple, dedicated to goddess Saraswati, is a Shakti Peeth of significance to Kashmiri Pandits. It was reopened in 2023, and the community has been advocating for the revival of the Sharda Peeth corridor to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Abdullah noted that efforts are being made to address the lack of tourism infrastructure. He urged legislators to assist in registering households willing to offer home stays and paying guest accommodations. “We need to involve locals to give a fillip to tourism,” he said, adding that the department has so far registered six home stays in Karnah and five in Teetwal.
He acknowledged the tourism potential of Karnah, Teetwal, Karanoo in Nawagabra, and Budnambal, calling them prime locations for nature, adventure, and cross-border heritage tourism.
“Gurez, Karnah, and Keran have already witnessed increased tourist footfall. Our government has allocated funds for youth training programs to enhance skills and employability,” he said.
He informed the House that the tourism department has been organizing festivals in border areas, featuring cultural and musical events, while a mega yoga festival was held in Karnah last June to boost tourism.
