Srinagar, July 23 (KDC): A group of tourists from Delhi has alleged that they were misled and diverted to a private hotel despite the availability of accommodation at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Dawar, Gurez, located in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
The TRC Gurez, a guest house managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, comprises five rooms and two dormitories. However, the tourists claimed they were accommodated at a private establishment namely ‘Kaka Palace’ despite available space in the government-run facility.
“There were vacant rooms at the TRC, but we were taken to a private hotel. Even the food is being sourced from there instead of the govt run guest house,” one of the tourists said according to Kashmir Dot Com.
Allegations have also surfaced that TRC Gurez is being managed by a private individual rather than an official representative of the Tourism Department. The designated caretaker is reportedly “never available,” with the premises often left unsupervised.
“Tourists are being deliberately diverted to private accommodations for personal gain. This kind of mismanagement is unacceptable and needs urgent attention,” the visitors said.
Locals too have expressed concern, warning that the misuse of official guest facilities could tarnish Gurez’s growing reputation as a prime tourist destination.
The tourists have appealed to the Tourism Department to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of government properties.
Efforts to contact officials from the Tourism Department for their version remained unsuccessful. (KDC)
