PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Bharatiya Janata Party has stated that the allocation regarding George Everest Estate in the Mussoorie area for tourism activities is fully according to the regulations. The BJP State media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan said that the tender process has been according to the rules, adding that land developed and resources belong to the State and that there is no restriction on movement of the general public or other activities at the site.He accused the Congress of spreading lies on this issues.
A day before Pradesh Congress Committee vice president Suryakant Dhasmana levelled allegations on this issue, the Vidhan Sabha leader of opposition Yashpal Arya had also levelled allegations. Chauhan said that the Tourism department under the then Uttar Pradesh government had acquired 172.91 acres of land in 1987-88 in the said area through the district administration.
In 2019, the construction of George Everest heritage park began as part of an externally funded (Asian Development Bank) project. This work was completed in 2022. The George Everest home museum, laboratory, five hut cafes and other construction and renovation works were undertaken as part of the project. Works amounting to Rs 23.52 crore were undertaken through the ADB. All these activities were facilitated through tenders under the Uttarakhand Procurement Rules 2017 for conduct of aerosports activities, management and development, Chauhan said.
“Three firms had submitted their proposals through the e-tender process by the due date. The property has been allocated for operation and maintenance for a period of 15 years while the ownership of the land and assets remains with the Tourism department.Various tourism activities are being facilitated in the George Everest Estate. The operation of helicopter service in the area is being done as per the fixed route and all the rules are being followed,” the BJP State media in-charge said.
He alleged that the Congress is pursuing its negative vision by questioning developmental efforts. This location is a prominent tourist spot which is also enhancing the local economy. Chauhan said that the Congress is making false statements regarding the route being blocked as the general public is moving around on the said route without any restrictions. “The Congress should first reply on the issue of selling gardens in the State because no records have been found on the manner in which Matela House in Almora and other gardens were mortgaged,” Chauhan said.
