Locals seek renovation of Uri’s Garkote viewpoint

Uri, Jan 7: The inhabitants of Garkote village of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have demanded the renovation of Zulfiqar Ali viewpoint.

The viewpoint was built by J&K Tourism a decade ago.

It was dedicated to the local social activist and government teacher Zulfiqar Ali Khawaja who died in an accident near the viewpoint on June 25, 2020.

A delegation of locals said that the viewpoint was in a dilapidated condition and was in serious need of renovation.

“The viewpoint lacks proper seating arrangement. It also has no gate at its fencing, leading animals to sit inside and defecate,” said Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a local.

He said that it was also in need of a whitewash.

“Otherwise, it is giving a bad look to the viewpoint and visitors are hesitant to visit here,” Bhat said.

Another local Tanveer Ahmad said that garbage was also being dumped near the viewpoint by the locals.

“This is emanating a foul smell,” he said.

Ahmad said that if an electricity connection was given that could add more beauty to the viewpoint, especially during night hours.

This viewpoint is also the first stop for all trekkers who climb to Baba Fareed shrine or Kandi Peak.

The viewpoint is situated at the top of a mountain in Garkote village, giving a panoramic view of the entire Uri town and its bordering LoC areas.

Block Development Officer (BDO) Uri, Farman Ali said, “This issue is not in my notice but I will now try to keep its renovation in this year’s ADP fund.”