Excelsior Correspondent
BUDGAM, June 10: Continuing with his firsthand appraisals of ongoing developmental works in various districts of the State, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today undertook an extensive tour of Budgam during which he took stock of infrastructure facilities at Yusmarg and Doodpathri, besides paying obeisance at the shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA) at Chrar-e-Sharief.
Minister for Agriculture Production, Ghulam Nabi Lone, Minister for IT, YS&S and Technical Education, Imran Raza Ansari, MLA Khan Sahib, Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, MLA Budgam, Aga Ruhullah, MLC, Saif-ud-din Bhat, Vice Chairman, J&K Wakf Board, Peer Mohammad Hussain, Director Tourism, Kashmir & MD JKTDC, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Secretary to Chief Minister, M. H. Malik, DIG CKR, G. M. Bhat and Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Mir Altaf, accompanied the Chief Minister.
Comparing the lush green environs of Yusmarg and Dodpathri with well-known destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, the Chief Minister emphasized upon integrating Tossa Maidan with Doodpathri Development Authority so that the three destinations are promoted as a single circuit to give impetus to the enormous tourism potential of this Central Kashmir district.
Placing high priority on providing recreational facilities to the tourists at upcoming health resorts, Mufti Sayeed directed the Tourism Department to expedite projects on laying of golf courses, ropeways in minimum tree-line areas and amusement parks so that both Yusmarg and Dodpathri are promoted as single-night destinations. For this, he observed that intake capacity at both the destinations will have to be substantially increased.
He also issued directions for construction of a footbridge over Doodganga to connect the Yusmarg Bowl with the proposed site for laying of golf course.
The Chief Minister desired that familiarity tours for domestic tour and travel operators as well as other stakeholders should be organized to bring the two scenic locations into limelight so that the tourist footfall is increased.
Later, on his arrival at Chrar-e-Sharief, Mufti Sayeed paid obeisance at the holy shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA). He issued directions to Director Tourism, Kashmir, to promote the historic place as a major ‘Pilgrimage Centre’ by way of up-gradation of existing facilities, on the pattern of smart cities. He said the demand for establishment of a centre for skill development at Chrar-e-Sharief will be also examined.
The Chief Minister also directed JKPCC to expedite work on construction of Khanqah, adjacent to the holy shrine, within the stipulated timeline.
During his visit to Bugdam, the Chief Minister interacted with prominent citizens of the district, who raised several demands including improvement in condition of roads, healthcare services and power distribution system, besides scientific disposal of waste.
Later, Mufti Sayeed visited Imambara, Budgam, where he asked Director Tourism to improve the interiors by seeking expert advice from INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage). He also passed instructions for upkeep and maintenance of the park behind the Imambara under Pilgrim Tourism.
The Chief Minister also interacted with the Kashmiri Pandit government employees, living in Sheikhpora Colony. They raised several issues including lack of maintenance, inadequate accommodation and improvement in sanitation and drainage system.
Mufti Sayeed assured that their demands will be looked into and addressed on priority. He also directed the concerned authorities for setting up a health dispensary and school for children of the inhabitants.
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