Speaker visits Buzgoo, Nilnag; emphasizes faster tourism development, improved connectivity Assures development of Barinibal road to connect Yusmarg, Nilnag; says comprehensive plan will be pursued to develop Nilnag as a major tourist destination

BUDGAM, AUGUST 21: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Charar-i-Sharief, Abdul Rahim Rather, today visited Buzgoo and Nilnag areas of the Charar-i-Sharief Assembly Constituency in Budgam district and interacted with the local residents to take stock of their developmental needs and concerns.
The development of Nilnag Lake was also discussed, with emphasis on developing the destination on the latest and sustainable model of tourism.
The Speaker stressed for adequate tourist facilities and related infrastructure so as to make Nilnag an attractive destination for the visitors while also benefiting the local population. He said that the region has immense potential to emerge as a major tourist destination and a source of sustainable livelihood and income generation for the local population.
He said that an amount of Rs 71 lakh is proposed to be spent during the current year for creation of tourism-related infrastructure, including parks, fencing, gates and walkways. The proposed works are aimed at improving the overall infrastructure and visitor experience in the area, he added.
The Speaker said that efforts would be made to improve the connectivity between prominent tourist destinations, including through the development of the Barinibal Road connecting Yusmarg and Nilnag, enabling the tourists to conveniently visit and enjoy both destinations.
He said that a comprehensive development plan would be pursued for Nilnag and the entire adjoining tourism belt to ensure planned infrastructure development and enhanced facilities for the visitors.
The closure of tourist destinations, including Yusmarg, Doodhpathri and Tosamaidan, was highlighted as having an adverse impact on the local economy.
The Speaker asked the concerned authorities to review the decision in the larger public interest, keeping in view its impact on tourism-related activities, livelihoods and the local economy.
The Speaker added that Bamilbal –Yusmarg and Dobal–Yusmarg roads shall also be explored on public demand, with a view to improve the connectivity and facilitate hassle-free movement of local residents as well as visitors to the area.
Rather said that Maharaja Road has been projected for development at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. The proposed development is expected to improve road connectivity and provide better access to the concerned areas. The macadamisation of the Nagam–Nilnag road shall be taken up shortly, with the work scheduled to commence within the stipulated timeframe. He directed that the concerned agency shall ensure early completion of the work so that the road is made traffic-worthy at the earliest.
The Speaker emphasized that link roads of Buzgoo shall be macadamised to facilitate hassle-free movement of residents and improve connectivity within the area. Priority shall be accorded to roads requiring immediate attention, he added.
The Speaker also said that an amount of Rs 30 lakh has been provided for construction of a wall around the High School, with the work to be taken up on priority so as to provide a secure and suitable environment for students and staff.
Interacting with the local residents, Rather assured them that necessary facilities and infrastructure, particularly in the sectors of road connectivity, drinking water supply and tourism infrastructure, would be strengthened.
On drinking water facilities, he assured the residents that efforts would be made to provide an adequate and reliable drinking water supply under the Kalnag scheme, benefiting a large number of households in the area.
The Speaker informed that the balance work of water supply scheme will be started tomorrow and completed within one month.
The Speaker was accompanied by CEO, Yusmarg Development Authority, Riyaz Ahmad Beigh; SE, Jal Shakti Department, Shazia Majid; Executive Engineer, PHE Chadoora, Mohammad Younis, and other officers of line departments from Chadoora and Charar-i-Sharief Sub-Divisions.