Budgam, Jul 08 (KNO): Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA Charar-e-Sharief, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Wednesday announced a series of major decisions aimed at transforming Yusmarg into a larger and more vibrant tourist destination.
Talking to reporters after chairing a high-level review meeting at Yusmarg, Rather, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, "Haijan and Nilnag will also be developed alongside Yusmarg under an integrated tourism plan."
“Funds have already been earmarked for the development of these areas. I assure you that these places will witness significant changes within a year,” the Speaker said.
He said one of the key decisions taken during the meeting was the construction of a bridge over Nallah Doodganga to connect Yusmarg with Haijan. "Once the bridge is completed, Haijan will be directly linked with Yusmarg, creating a 'Greater Yousmarg' tourism destination," he said.
The Speaker also announced the development of Darwan Basti and its adjoining areas as a heritage tourism village. He said roads will be upgraded, solar lights installed and the traditional kothas in the area will be renovated and beautified to attract tourists.
Speaker Rather said around 136 kothas will be renovated with financial assistance from the government, while electricity and other basic facilities will also be provided to the area. He said the initiative aims to preserve the region's traditional heritage while bringing Darwan Basti onto the tourism map.
He said work on these projects will begin soon, adding that similar developmental initiatives will also be undertaken in Haijan and Nilnag to expand tourism activities and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents.
Referring to the issue of poor mobile connectivity in Yousmarg, Rather said the matter has been taken up with the concerned department and assured that efforts are underway to improve network and internet services for tourists and locals at the earliest—(KNO)