Srinagar: Ministry of Defence signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Home Affairs through Government of UT of J&K for transfer of defence land measuring 139.04 acres situated at Tattoo ground to Ministry of Home Affairs for the promotion of tourism and other developmental activities in the region, an official press release informed Monday.
It said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the MoU signing ceremony at Raj Bhawan.
The Ministry of Defence was represented through the Local Military Authority of Tattoo Ground Garrison and Defence Estate Officer Kashmir Circle Srinagar. The land will be handed over by the Ministry of Defence within the period of 120 days, the press release said.
It said the LG termed the MoU as a momentous occasion in developing major tourism space in J&K UT.
Hailing the Army for its cooperation, the LG said the administration and security forces are dedicated to the welfare of people.
“We will make honest and dedicated efforts to fulfill all the conditions of the MoU and develop tourism and other related activities in such a way that the tourists visiting Kashmir valley find Tattoo ground as one of the most attractive destinations,” he said.
The LG also discussed with the senior Army officers the ‘Mera Mati Mera Desh’ campaign to honour the martyrs and preparations for Independence Day events.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bhiduri told news agency KNO that the decision to sign MoU was historic. “The land will be used for tourism development in a big way,” he said, adding, “Tatoo ground will be most happening place of Kashmir very soon.”
Lt General Rajiv Ghai, GOC 15 Corps; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; senior officers of the Army and UT administration were present on the occasion.