Delhi to get own eco-tourism, adventure sport hub in Najafgarh

NEW DELHI: The capital will soon get an eco-tourism and adventure sports complex in Najafgarh. With construction work at the proposed site complete, Delhi tourism minister Jitender Singh Tomar on Friday visited the site and said that an e-tender will soon be floated to get an operator and the site will be developed into a weekend adventure spot.

"The purpose of today's visit was to inspect the area where an eco-tourism and adventure sports complex has been proposed. I have been told that the construction work is complete. The Delhi tourism department has worked efficiently. We'll soon announce an e-tender to find an operator and the site will be developed into an adventure sports hub for Delhi," Tomar said.

The project was proposed more than ten years ago but work at the site—Chhawla and Kanganheri—in Najafgarh got delayed and could only begin four years back. "Land was allotted back in the 1990s. I have been heading the project since the very beginning. There was a delay of some 6-7 years for us to start with the construction work. We were supposed to make water, electricity arrangements and complete the construction work. The work is done now," chief engineer Jose Kurien said.

He also said that the lease for the land has expired and that they have requested for a ten-year extension. As soon as the extension is granted, tenders will be announced. The Rs 15-crore Chhawla and Kanganheri projects, being developed by Delhi Tourism, are respectively spread over 2.77 and 11.44 acres. The complex will have adventure sports and overnight tented camping facility available for visitors. The complex will be connected to the Najafgarh-Kapashera road and the Dwarka Metro line.

Managing director, Delhi Tourism, Ramesh Tiwari said, "We had the land years back but utility, funds and many other things took time. But we're sure the project will be a success and Delhiites will not have to travel beyond the city limits to look for weekend adventures. Our minister took stock of the available facilities and lauded the efforts of Delhi Tourism, expressing his intent to have it operational at the earliest."