Govt to promote Yusmarg, Doodhpathri, Tosa Maidan as ‘single-circuit’ destinations

Tribune News Service

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Srinagar, June 11

The government will promote Yusmarg, Doodhpathri and Tosa Maidan as “single circuit” to boost tourism in central Kashmir.

This was stated by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed during his visit to Budgam district yesterday.

He called for integrating Tosa Maidan with the Doodhpathri Development Authority so that the three destinations were promoted as a single circuit to boost tourism in the area.

He directed the Tourism Department to expedite various projects, including laying of golf courses, ropeways in minimum tree line areas and amusement parks, so that both Yusmarg and Doodhpathri were promoted as single-night destinations.

He also issued directions for construction of a footbridge over Doodh Ganga to connect the Yusmarg bowl with the proposed site for laying the golf course.

“The department should immediately engage a consultant so that the work on the project is started at the earliest,” he said and asked the Director, Tourism, to work on establishment of a modern conference hall with attached paraphernalia for promotion of convention tourism.

He said familiarity tours for domestic tour and travel operators should be organised to bring scenic locations into limelight so that the tourist footfall was increased.

Later, Mufti paid obeisance at the holy shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani at Chrar-e-Sharief.

He issued directions to the Director, Tourism, Kashmir, to promote the historic place as a major “Pilgrimage Centre” by upgrading existing facilities on the pattern of smart cities.

The Chief Minister also directed the JKPCC to expedite works on the construction of Khanqah, adjacent to the holy shrine, within the stipulated timeline.

Mufti also visited the Budgam District Hospital, where he went through the wards and interacted with patients.

During his visit to Imambara, Budgam, he asked the Director, Tourism, to improve the interiors by seeking expert advice from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

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 poor sanitation and drainage system.

He assured that their demands would be looked into and addressed on priority. He also directed the authorities concerned to set up a health dispensary and school for children of the inhabitants.