It is the same old sad story
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Sana Altaf (Kashmir Times) | |
Srinagar: Kashmir may boost over the success of its tourism this year, but how far
the authorities have been able to keep up the charm of tourist places is evident
from the condition of the posh Nigeen Club.
Entering one of the most famous,
serene and elitist club situated on the banks Nigeen Lake, one is pleased to see
well maintained flowering garden. However, after stepping further inside the
club, stray dogs welcome the visitors. They can be spotted in the parking slot,
amid flowerings, under the shade of chinar and even resting near the restaurant
of the club. Ironically, no one seems to be bothered to even shoo off the dogs,
who seem to enjoy the cool and serene atmosphere of the club.
The presence
of stray dogs in the club is equally prominent as the foreign and domestic
visitors who sometimes have to shoo the dogs from attacking their open air
dining table. The visibility of dogs is more during the evening hours.
Adding to the displeasure of the visitors are the defunct lights, old bamboo dining chairs and the polluted Nigeen water. The evening visitors have to be provided with lanterns or candles for open air dinners.
“Nigeen club has been
one of the poshest places in Srinagar. Though the gardens have been maintained,
but it is sick to have dogs inside,” said Musadiq Ahmad, a local visitor to the
club.
Mohammad Amir, another visitor says he was disappointed with the
mismanagement in the club.
“It is distressing to see dogs inside club, no
proper lights and management. Government needs to take steps to spruce up
tourist places.”
Nigeen club dates back to 1900. It was constructed by
British on the orchard land owned by the after being en snarled by the supreme
beauty of the lake. It was a recreational centre in which a guest house was
later built in 1940, wherein the British Residents used to stay.
The British
would spend their leisure time in the club, playing cards and other games.
After the British left Kashmir, it was passed onto to department of tourism.
The club activities came to a grinding halt after the building was gutted in a
devastating fire in 1989. Like most of the public spaces this one too was
occupied by Indian Security organizations; first, Border Security Force and
later, Central Reserve Police Force. The residential bungalow of the club having
seven bed rooms, dining hall, lounge and pantry housed the Jammu and Kashmir
Police.
In 2007 the club was vacated and its reconstruction started. It was thrown open again in 2009.
Kashmir Times learnt from club employees that the
housekeeping of the club is currently unavailable for past one week as new
appointments are in process.
“New members are now being appointed for the
club and shall be brought back into action. We will ensure that club work best,”
an employee at the club said.
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