Srinagar, March 8 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the government is working on plans to build a Yatri Niwas and cafeteria at Sharda Devi Temple in Teetwal, close to the Line of Control (LoC). Yatri Niwas is a type of accommodation facility designed for pilgrims visiting religious sites.
Replying to a starred question from National Conference legislator Javid Ahmad Mirchal in the Assembly, Abdullah, who also heads the tourism department, stated that a detailed project report is being prepared, with an estimated budget of ₹1.5 crore.
The temple, dedicated to goddess Saraswati, is considered a Shakti Peeth and holds religious significance for Kashmiri Pandits. It was reopened in 2023, and the community continues to push for the restoration of the Sharda Peeth corridor to Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
Addressing concerns over tourism infrastructure, Abdullah urged legislators to help identify households willing to offer home stays and guest accommodations.
“Local involvement is key to expanding tourism,” he said, noting that the department has so far registered six home stays in Karnah and five in Teetwal.
He mentioned that these areas have tourism potential, saying, "Teetwal, Karanoo in Nawagabra, and Budnambal are ideal for nature, adventure, and cross-border heritage tourism."
“Tourist numbers have risen in Gurez, Karnah, and Keran, and our government has set aside funds for youth training programs to improve their employability in the sector,” he said.