Cable Cars, Ski Lift, Bridge Among Key Proposals for Yousmarg; Speaker Reviews Development Plan

Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar, June 29: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting with senior Tourism Department officials to review a comprehensive development plan aimed at transforming Yousmarg into one of the Union Territory’s premier tourist destinations.

The meeting focused on strengthening tourism infrastructure, improving visitor amenities and harnessing the tourism potential of Yousmarg and its surrounding destinations, including Drugtolen, Bargah and Haijan.

During the review, the Speaker stressed the need for a planned and sustainable approach to tourism development that preserves the region’s natural beauty and ecological balance while enhancing visitor facilities.

Rather called for improved public amenities, including reliable mobile connectivity and the installation of an ATM at Yousmarg to facilitate tourists and local residents. He also advocated the installation of a ski drag lift to support ski trainees and promote winter sports, with the aim of developing Yousmarg as a year-round tourism destination.

The meeting also reviewed proposals for the development of Nilnag Lake. The Speaker directed that the lake and its surrounding areas be developed as an attractive tourist destination with appropriate infrastructure while maintaining their pristine environment. He also stressed that de-weeding of the lake should be undertaken on priority to preserve its ecological health and natural charm.

Highlighting the importance of connectivity, Rather emphasised the early completion of the sanctioned bridge over the Doodh Ganga River linking Haijan with Yousmarg. He said the project would improve accessibility, boost tourist inflow and generate socio-economic benefits for local communities.

The Speaker also proposed the development of cable car projects connecting Yousmarg with Nilnag, Drugtolen, Haijan and Bargah. He observed that Yousmarg, being one of the nearest tourist destinations to Srinagar, has significant potential to emerge as a major tourism hub.

He said the proposed ropeway projects would not only strengthen adventure and leisure tourism but also help promote a pilgrimage tourism circuit by connecting routes leading to the revered shrines of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA) at Charar-i-Sharief and Hazrat Syed Ali Aali Balki (RA) at Pakherpora.

Rather also stressed the need for early completion of the remaining stretch of the road to Haijan, saying better road connectivity is essential for unlocking the tourism potential of the area and improving access for both visitors and local residents.

Officials of the Tourism Department assured the meeting that the proposals would be examined in a time-bound manner and necessary steps would be taken for the phased development of the Yousmarg tourism circuit with the objective of promoting tourism, generating employment and supporting sustainable economic growth in the region.