Mansar and Surinsar are the lake day trips Jammu does without thinking. This week, the Secretary for Tourism toured both to review the works under way, and the figures she was briefed on give the clearest picture yet of what is changing.
At Mansar
- Lakefront Tourist Reception Centre and Water/Nature Park: Rs 403 lakh, listed among the Capex 2026-27 works.
- A new wooden jetty at the Mansar boating point, replacing a damaged one, at a revised cost of Rs 111.94 lakh.
- Officials also described new buildings, shoreline beautification and upkeep of boat jetties to promote eco-tourism.
- The Secretary inspected the JKTDC Dak Bungalow, reviewed its operational status and maintenance issues, and directed officials to expedite repairs and keep up standards of hospitality and cleanliness.
At Surinsar
- Upgradation and renovation of the Dak Bungalow: Rs 194 lakh.
- Restructuring of the Fun Park and allied infrastructure: estimated at Rs 79.23 lakh.
- The Secretary met residents and stakeholders about the sinking zone of Surinsar Lake, heard their grievances and gave on-the-spot directions to the departments concerned for time-bound redressal.
What has not been said
The report gives no completion dates for any of these works and does not say when the new jetty or the Dak Bungalow will be open to visitors. If you are planning a weekend, check the current state of boating and rooms before you go. The Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority (SMDA) leads the works; its chief executive briefed the Secretary, with officers of PWD and the Wildlife Department present.
Earlier on JammuBeat: Mansar Wants a New Cafeteria-and-Games Operator: Bids Close August 24.
Source: The Kashmir Horizon, Secretary Tourism visits Surinsar, Mansar; reviews ongoing development works (Mansar photo: Wikimedia Commons, file photo)
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