Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather reviews tourism infrastructure and winter sports potential at Yousmarg
BUDGAM, JULY 08: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather chaired a high-level meeting today to review the progress of ongoing developmental works and new initiatives proposed under the Special Area Sustainable Community-Centred Initiative across Yousmarg, Haijan, Nilnag, Nagbal, and adjoining areas.
The meeting focused heavily on resolving pending Forest Department clearances that have delayed project execution. Chief Executive Officer of the Yousmarg Development Authority Riyaz Ahmad gave a detailed presentation revealing that 357 lakh rupees have been sanctioned for 21 ongoing and new works for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with over 85 lakh rupees already released.
The Speaker emphasized developing a network of scenic trekking trails connecting destinations like Drugtolen, Burgah, Nilnag, Haijan, Fresnag, and Sang-e-Safaid to promote eco-tourism, while directing executing agencies to resolve all procedural bottlenecks quickly to avoid causing inconvenience to tourists and local residents.Stressing the immense potential of Yousmarg as a year-round tourist hub, the Speaker called for the active promotion of winter tourism and sports, noting that these activities would create sustainable livelihoods for local youth and boost the regional economy.
He further instructed the concerned departments to ensure the completion of the crucial Haijan–Yousmarg Bridge during the current financial year to significantly improve local connectivity. Earlier in the day, the Speaker visited Darewan Basti to interact with local residents who requested the preservation of their traditional settlement as a heritage tourism site.
Welcoming the suggestion, the Speaker announced that over 412 lakh rupees have been sanctioned under the Special Area Sustainable Community-Centred Initiative to upgrade traditional Kothas, enhance road connectivity, install solar illumination, and construct pathways.
He also met several public delegations regarding mobile network coverage, ATM facilities, and public amenities, assuring them of early redressal alongside senior officers from the Forest, Tourism, Public Works, and BSNL departments who attended the session.