3 years on, bamboo huts built for tourists await inauguration

Four bamboo huts and a kitchen built by the Forest Department at Kalapul, Dharamsala, still await inauguration for the past three years. Built by spending huge amount from the Smart City funds, the complex was conceived to promote eco-tourism at a conspicuous location on the main road connecting Dharamsala and Mcleodganj.

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The project awaits handing over to the department for an exceptionally long time now. It is learnt that the contractor has deliberately kept some plumbing work pending and the entire matter has reached court with department defending it as a respondent.

Dinesh Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Dharamsala, while talking to The Tribune, said, “The contractor has used substandard material which has started to fall apart. The bamboo used has already decayed as it was not as per the specifications which categorically asked for the one which is chemically treated.”

The Forest Department had laid its foundation with a lot of drum beating during the last regime.

It was propagated that the complex once created would be a perfect alternative to concrete which was spoiling the pristine hills. It was strongly argued that these natural bamboo houses would be a delight to stay in.

Of the 52 lakhs tender floated, 36 lakhs have already been paid to the contractor. The department has refused to take custody in the present state with everything in a state of rot. Since the matter is now under litigation, the property has failed to achieve the desired results. The entire premises has already borne a deserted look. Tourists have failed to benefit in the last three tourist seasons, while the chances of its opening seem bleak in the near future as well.

The entire project is now hanging in balance. Let alone providing facility to the tourists, huge funds from the exchequer stand wasted.