BUDGAM: Continuing with his firsthand appraisals of ongoing developmental works in various districts of the State, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Wednesday undertook an extensive tour of Budgam during which he took stock of infrastructure facilities at Yusmarg and Doodhpathri, besides paying obeisance at the shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA) at Chrar-e-Sharief.
Comparing the lush green environs of Yusmarg and Doodhpathri with well-known destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, the Chief Minister emphasized upon integrating Tossa Maidan with Doodhpathri 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 Doodhpathri 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).
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.