Budgam, Sep 03 (KNO): Residents and service providers of Brenwar and adjoining areas in Chadoora have welcomed the government’s move to develop Haijan Brenwar as a tourism destination, saying they are witnessing infrastructure development at the picturesque meadow for the first time.
The government, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), has tendered infrastructure works worth around Rs 68 lakh for Haijan Brenwar, aimed at improving basic facilities and promoting the offbeat destination on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir.
Residents and service providers expressed gratitude to the government for initiating the project, saying the development could attract more visitors to the area and create livelihood opportunities for local youth.
A local pony service provider, Ghulam Hassan, said, “We are thankful to the government. It is for the first time that we are witnessing such a step being taken for the development of Haijan. We welcome the initiative and hope more facilities will be provided here."
He urged visitors to keep the area clean and requested the government to install washrooms and dustbins at the destination so that its natural beauty could be preserved.
“We request people who visit Haijan to keep the place neat and clean. The government should also add washrooms and dustbins here so that the natural beauty of this place is preserved,” he said.
Yasir Choudhary, a resident of Brenwar, said the initiative would not only boost tourism but also create livelihood opportunities for unemployed youth in the area.
Ghulam Hassan, a shopkeeper, said the area has significant tourism potential and should be brought fully onto the tourism map.
“We want Haijan to come fully onto the tourism map. We are thankful to the Speaker of the Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, for the progress being witnessed in this area,” he said.
The shopkeeper, however, urged the administration to improve road connectivity to the destination, saying macadamisation and repair of the road should be taken up on priority.
Meanwhile, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather assured that bringing Haijan Brenwar on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir would remain a top priority.
Rather said the destination would be developed as part of the Greater Yousmarg tourism development project, with a focus on strengthening infrastructure while preserving its natural beauty and ecological character.
Haijan, located near Brenwar village in Budgam, is known for its expansive green meadows, pine and conifer trees, power project dam, flowing stream and tranquil surroundings. The area also attracts shepherds during the summer months and has emerged as a popular spot for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and local visitors.
Residents said they hope the planned infrastructure development will give a significant boost to tourism in the area and generate employment opportunities for local youth while ensuring that the ecological character of Haijan is protected—(KNO)