PONDA: The Kavlem Panchayat on Monday drew the attention of Tourism Department to the abandoned tourism complex near Shantadurga Temple in the village which has turned into a den for liquor parties.
The complex has gathered dust for the past decade. Huge trees have grown up in the complex area. The dormitories, restaurant and toilet blocks are in a pathetic condition due to the utter neglect on the part of the department. The complex was constructed 20 years ago and after using it for 10 years, the same now lies in a dilapidated state.
Kavlem sarpanch Rajesh Kavlekar demanded that either Tourism Department renovate the project or construct new one or handover the project land to the panchayat to utilise the area for fish market, parking and even for garbage disposal plant.
He claimed that the panchayat had written to Tourism Department several times but despite Kavlem being tourist spot the department failed to renovate or repair the complex.
He alleged that dormitories have now turned into a den for liquor parties and anti-social activities. Before any untoward incident takes place the government should urgently look into matter. While at many places development works are progressing but this project has been neglected. If the complex is renovated it could generate lot of revenue.
The project comprising of tourist hotel, two dormitories with eight rooms, toilet block and parking area was inaugurated in 1997 by the then Deputy Chief Minister Dr Wilfred de Souza in the presence of current Union Minister for Ayush Shripad Naik.
