New Delhi, May 14 (JKNS): The Save Sharda Committee Kashmir (Regd.) has urged the Central Government to expedite the widening of the strategically important Chamkote–Teetwal road and establish a Yatri Niwas near the historic Sharda Temple at LoC Teetwal in north Kashmir’s Karnah region.
Chairman of the Save Sharda Committee, Ravinder Pandita, met Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi on Wednesday and submitted a detailed representation highlighting the long-pending demands aimed at promoting border tourism and religious tourism in the region.
During the meeting, Pandita requested the Union Minister to facilitate the widening and upgradation of the Chamkote–Teetwal road, describing it as a “pre-independence route” that holds immense importance for local residents, pilgrims, and security forces stationed along the Line of Control.
The delegation also sought the construction of a Yatri Niwas on evacuee property land available near the revered Sharda Temple at Teetwal. According to the Committee, the facility would greatly benefit pilgrims and tourists visiting the historic temple site, which has increasingly emerged as a symbol of spiritual and cultural heritage in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was facilitated by Vivek Tankha, who was also present during the interaction. The delegation informed the minister that improved infrastructure in Karnah would boost local employment opportunities, tourism activities, and connectivity in the remote border belt.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured the delegation that the matter would be looked into positively. He also expressed his desire to visit the Sharda Temple at LoC Teetwal in the near future.
As a gesture of goodwill, Ravinder Pandita presented a traditional Sharda Shawl, prashad from the Sharda Temple, and a memorandum to the Union Minister on behalf of the Save Sharda Committee and the people of Karnah.
The delegation included Committee Coordinator Ajaz Khan, who, along with local representatives, expressed hope that the proposed road widening project would not only ease public movement but also strengthen logistical support for the Indian Army in the border region.
The Save Sharda Committee has been actively advocating for the revival and promotion of the ancient Sharda Peeth heritage and improving facilities for devotees and visitors in the Teetwal sector. (JKNS)