Budgam: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday reviewed the progress of tourism infrastructure projects and proposed initiatives under the Special Area Sustainable Community-Centred Initiative (SASCI) at Yousmarg and adjoining areas.
According to an official statement, the meeting focused on ongoing and proposed works at Yousmarg, Haijan, Nilnag, Nagbal and nearby areas, besides issues related to forest clearances affecting project execution.
Chief Executive Officer, Yousmarg Development Authority (YDA), Riyaz Ahmad, informed the meeting that works worth ₹357 lakh covering 21 ongoing and new projects had been sanctioned for 2026-27, of which more than ₹85 lakh had already been released.
Rather stressed the need to develop trekking routes connecting Yousmarg with Drugtolen, Burgah, Nilnag, Haijan, Fresnag and Sang-e-Safaid to promote eco-tourism. He also called for greater coordination among departments to resolve procedural bottlenecks and ensure timely completion of projects without compromising quality.
The Speaker directed the concerned departments to complete the Haijan–Yousmarg bridge during the current financial year, describing it as vital for improving connectivity and tourism.
Earlier, Rather visited Darewan Basti in Yousmarg and interacted with local residents, who sought development of the traditional settlement as a heritage tourism destination. He said the area would be developed in a planned manner to showcase its cultural heritage and create livelihood opportunities.
The statement said more than ₹412 lakh has been sanctioned under SASCI for development and beautification of Darewan Basti, including restoration of traditional Kothas, road connectivity, solar lighting and construction of pathways.
The Speaker also met public delegations, who raised issues related to road connectivity, mobile network coverage, ATM facilities and other civic amenities. He assured them that their genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned departments.
The meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir Irfan Rasool Wani, YDA Chief Executive Officer Riyaz Ahmad, Executive Engineers and senior officers of the Forest, Tourism, Public Works (R&B) departments and BSNL, the statement added.