The building, inaugurated on August 9, 2021, by Shri Baseer Ahmad Khan, the then Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, was envisioned as a facility to assist and facilitate tourists visiting the area.

 

However, nearly five years after its inauguration, the centre reportedly remains unused and neglected. The premises have become unhygienic, with stray dogs occupying the building and its surroundings, presenting an unpleasant sight for visitors.

 

Tourists visiting the area expressed disappointment over the condition of the facility and questioned the purpose behind constructing such infrastructure if it was ultimately left without proper utilisation or maintenance.

 

“What was the purpose of constructing this building when it is of no use today?Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel” tourists asked, urging the Tourism Department to take immediate steps to restore and operationalise the centre.

 

An officer of the Tourism Department, when contacted regarding the condition of the facility, said, “I will look into it.”

 

The deteriorating condition of the facility also raises concerns about the upkeep of government assets created with public funds. Locals and visitors have urged the concerned authorities to inspect the site, identify the reasons behind its non-utilisation and ensure that the Tourist Facilitation Centre is put to its intended use.

 

With Saderkot and surrounding areas witnessing tourism potential, residents believe that a properly maintained and functional tourist facility could significantly improve the experience of visitors and contribute to the local tourism economy.

 

The authorities concerned are urged to act before the facility deteriorates further and becomes another example of government infrastructure lying abandoned despite significant public expenditure. (KNS)