Two development authorities of tourist resorts Sonmarg and Manasbal in Ganderbal district are without permanent heads, hampering their functioning and development works.
Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) is without a chiefexecutive officer (CEO) for several months since its previous head wastransferred out, official sources told Greater Kashmir.
The government has given additional charge of the SDA CEOadditional deputy commissioner of Ganderbal, and officials say it’s difficultfor an officer holding the additional responsibility to do justice to the job.
Official sources said that frequent and premature transfersof CEOs during the last few years has badly hit its overall performance andfunctioning, and hampers effective monitoring of constructions in violation ofrules.
The Sonmarg Development Authority was created in 2003 toplan and coordinate overall development of the tourist destination.
Sonamarg also hosts Amarnath pilgrims as the Baltal route tothe cave shrine has been gaining popularity with the devotees.
Many prefer undertaking the pilgrimage via Sonmarg, a shortone-day round trek, as the traditional route via Pahalgam involves a longer andtreacherous journey over four to five days.
In absence of a permanent CEO, officials say, some lowranking employees work as self styled bosses by taking undue advantage of theheadless development authority.
The Wullar-Mansbal Development Authority (WMDA) is alsofunctioning without any permanent chief executive officer for nearly a yearnow, affecting its development.
The government has again given additional charge of the CEOof WMDA to CEO of Bangus valley, leaving Manasbal lake resort ignored.
The J&K High Court has taken notice of the deterioratingcondition of the lake and directed WMDA to file a detailed report about it.
Director Tourism Kashmir said that posting CEOs for the twodevelopment authorities was a matter for higher authorities to look into.
Secretary Tourism couldn’t be contacted for comment.