Budgam: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA Charar-i-Sharief, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Friday visited Buzgoo and Nilnag in Budgam district to assess local developmental needs and review tourism and infrastructure projects in the area.
Interacting with residents, Rather discussed the development of Nilnag Lake and stressed the need to develop the destination on a modern and sustainable tourism model. He said adequate tourist facilities and infrastructure were essential to make Nilnag an attractive destination while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents.
He said Rs 71 lakh has been proposed during the current financial year for tourism-related infrastructure, including parks, fencing, gates and walkways, aimed at improving visitor facilities and the overall tourism experience.
Rather said efforts would be made to improve connectivity between major tourist destinations through the development of the Barinibal Road linking Yusmarg and Nilnag, enabling tourists to access both destinations more conveniently. He added that a comprehensive development plan would be pursued for Nilnag and the adjoining tourism belt to ensure planned infrastructure development and enhanced visitor amenities.
Referring to the closure of tourist destinations such as Yusmarg, Doodhpathri and Tosamaidan, the Speaker said the restrictions had adversely affected tourism-related activities and the local economy. He urged the concerned authorities to review the decision in the larger public interest.
He also said the proposed Bamilbal–Yusmarg and Dobal–Yusmarg road projects would be explored on public demand to improve connectivity and facilitate movement of residents and visitors.
Rather said Maharaja Road has been projected for development at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore to improve road connectivity in the area. He added that macadamisation of the Nagam–Nilnag road would begin shortly and directed the executing agency to complete the work at the earliest to make the road traffic-worthy.
The Speaker also stressed the macadamisation of link roads in Buzgoo and said priority would be given to roads requiring immediate attention.
He said Rs 30 lakh has been earmarked for construction of a boundary wall around the local high school and directed that the work be taken up on priority to provide a secure environment for students and staff.
Assuring residents of improved civic amenities, Rather said road connectivity, drinking water supply and tourism infrastructure would be strengthened. On water supply, he said efforts would be made to ensure adequate and reliable drinking water under the Kalnag scheme and informed residents that the balance work on the water supply project would commence on Friday and be completed within a month.
The Speaker was accompanied by CEO Yusmarg Development Authority Riyaz Ahmad Beigh, Superintending Engineer Jal Shakti Department Shazia Majid, Executive Engineer PHE Chadoora Mohammad Younis and other officers from the concerned departments.
