Jammu, March 18 (NationPress) J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Assembly on Tuesday that to alleviate the shortage of lodging at J&K House in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri, the government has secured a 3,179.58 square metre plot on a perpetual lease from the Delhi Development Authority in the Dwarka area of the national capital.

In response to queries from NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq about the insufficient accommodations for visitors from J&K to Delhi or Chandigarh following the transfer of the main buildings of Jammu and Kashmir House, New Delhi, to the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Chief Minister, who also oversees the Hospitality & Protocol portfolio, clarified that a significant portion of the Guest House in Chanakyapuri has been dedicated to Ladakh.

He stated, "Consequently, the UT of J&K has limited accommodation available at J&K House, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi."

To resolve this issue, the government has obtained a plot at Plot No 3, Sector-19, Phase-1, Dwarka, where a J&K Bhawan complex will be built.

This site was selected due to its accessibility and closeness to other state bhawans, ensuring enhanced facilities for visitors from J&K.

Regarding property in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister disclosed that J&K has a property in Sector-17, which will be upgraded after securing necessary approvals.

He assured that arrangements would be made to ensure proper accommodations for patients traveling to Chandigarh for medical care.

The Chief Minister emphasized that while constructing new structures, J&K’s architectural heritage will be incorporated into the designs, along with the availability of traditional J&K cuisine.

Moreover, a greater number of locals from J&K will be employed in these facilities. Addressing concerns regarding asset distribution post-2019, the Chief Minister explained that the division of assets between J&K and Ladakh was conducted based on the recommendations of an Advisory Committee established under Section 85 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, as well as a committee formed under Government Order No. 1011-GAD of 2019 dated 12.09.2019.

The CM stated that the allocation of assets between J&K and Ladakh was performed by the apportionment of assets & liabilities committee formed by the Central government.

Additionally, the Chief Minister indicated that the government is assessing options for creating extra accommodations at its building located at 5 Prithviraj Road to further meet accommodation demands.

He also informed the Assembly about the successful recovery of government property at Kashmir House, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi, which had been under unauthorized occupation.

The property, measuring one kanal and 11.2 marlas, was occupied by individuals who were not duly authorized by the Estates Office, Resident Commission, New Delhi.

"In accordance with the provisions of Section 5(1) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, the unauthorized occupants have been evicted, and the property is now in the possession of the Resident Commission, J&K," he stated.