Jammu, February 4, 2026: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the outsourcing of assets related to the Kailash Yatra, including the Sungli Yatri Base Camp and rain shelter sheds, was a situation inherited by his government.
Replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Dalerp Singh during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, informed the House that ₹279.83 lakh was spent on the construction of the Yatri Base Camp at Sungli and rain shelter sheds at Kailash Kund during 2014–15.
He said the assets were first outsourced in 2017 for three years at an annual amount of ₹24 lakh. Subsequently, the same assets were again outsourced for a 10-year period during 2024–25 at ₹26.25 lakh per year, with a 10 per cent annual escalation.
Responding to a supplementary question on the long-term outsourcing of Yatri Niwas and other Kailash Yatra facilities in Bhaderwah, the Chief Minister said the decision was taken before his government assumed office.
“This situation was inherited by us. Initially, it was outsourced for three years when we were not in office. Before we took over on October 24, the outsourcing for ten years had already been done,” Abdullah said, adding that while concerns over the long duration were valid, the decision had already been implemented.
He, however, clarified that the outsourcing can be cancelled if required.
Abdullah explained that the assets were outsourced to strengthen the revenue base of the Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA), enabling it to meet day-to-day operational expenses, including the maintenance of parks, gardens, resorts, tourist huts and guest houses.
He further informed the House that the Executive Engineer (R&B) Division Bhaderwah has been asked to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of shelter sheds, kiosks and public convenience complexes at key tourist destinations in Bhaderwah, including Roushra Mata, the Kailash Yatra route, and the Manimahesh Yatra route in the Bhaderwah constituency.
