Khellani, also known as Khellani Top, a picturesque village located in Bhalla Tehsil of District Doda, has long been regarded as a prominent tourist attraction in the scenic region of Bhaderwah. The village boasts a beautiful natural environment and offers a cool and pleasant climate, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking solace amidst nature’s bounty. However, the once-thriving Forest View Resort, inaugurated on June 20, 2009, now stands as a testament to the Bhaderwah Development Authority’s (BDA) neglect and indifference towards its maintenance and promotion.
Years ago, a concerted effort was made to place Khellani on the tourism map, with the hopes of providing a source of livelihood for the local youth. The Forest View Resort, in particular, was envisioned as a key attraction that would draw visitors from far and wide. Unfortunately, it seems that the BDA and the District Administration have forgotten their responsibilities towards this enchanting place.
What was once a haven for tourists to relish the mesmerizing night view, now lies in darkness, with the lights that were once a centerpiece of the park broken and non-functional. The lush green grass that adorned the park has withered away, and the park itself has transformed into a part-time cricket playground, losing its charm as a dedicated space for visitors to unwind. Additionally, the fountains, once installed to enhance the scenic beauty of the park, now stand broken and idle.
To accommodate tourists, igloo huts were constructed in Khellani. However, due to a lack of care and supervision, some of the huts succumbed to fire incidents allegedly caused by short circuits. Those that remain have been closed for maintenance, leaving visitors unable to enjoy their stay during the peak tourist season.
The Bhaderwah Development Authority’s disregard for this enchanting place raises serious questions about their commitment to its development and maintenance.
In an attempt to seek information about booking the igloo huts, the official website of the BDA, https://www.bhadarwahheavens.com/, redirects visitors to an unrelated page (https://www.bhadarwahheavens.com/rosegarden.php#aso) without any relevant details. Consequently, potential tourists are left without proper guidance or contact information. To address this concern, it is essential that the BDA prominently display banners at the resort, providing clear contact information for booking the huts and other facilities and creates a dedicated page on its website of Khellani. Such measures are crucial to ensuring that visitors, especially those from outside districts or states, can access the necessary information to plan their trip effectively.
The negligence displayed by the Bhaderwah Development Authority towards the Forest View Resort in Khellani raises serious doubts about their commitment to the area’s tourism development. Urgent action is required to rectify the current state of affairs, with adequate funds allocated and timely repairs and improvements implemented. Only then can this captivating tourist spot regain its lost glory and once again serve as a sustainable source of livelihood for the local community.
Please do something for this!
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