Abandoned tourist cafeteria on Bangus road turns dilapidated, locals demand renovation

Kupwara, Jan 22: Nestled in the foothills of Bangus valley, a tourist cafeteria and a gazebo at Galganzar Zachaldara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have been left unattended by the concerned authorities, resulting in damage to these structures.

Residents of the area told Greater Kashmir that the cafeteria was constructed a decade ago but has not been made functional yet. “We were happy after the construction of this cafeteria and although it was completed years ago but has been left to become dilapidated,” Farooq Bhat, a local resident said. “A huge amount has been utilised for its construction. It is surprising the way authorities have abandoned the construction. The doors and windows of this cafeteria have been damaged by miscreants,” he added.

The residents said that since the cafeteria was located along Handwara-Rajwar Bangus road, it offered a great scope for tourists visiting Bangus to take a stop-over and explore this facility in the foothills of Bangus valley. “Making the cafeteria functional could have helped locals to set up their stalls here and earn a livelihood,” said Syed Imtiyaz, a youth from Rajpora Rajwar area of Handwara.

District Development Council Member (DDC) Rajwar, Sulaiman Mir told Greater Kashmir that not only this cafeteria but a tourist hut at Wader Balla and Wader Payeen have also been left unattended. "I am hopeful that all these assets would be renovated soon so that the tourists could use them” he added.