Budgam, Aug 21: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA Charar-i-Sharief Abdul Rahim Rather on Friday visited Buzgoo and Nilnag areas of the constituency to assess developmental needs and interact with local residents, with a focus on tourism, road connectivity and basic infrastructure.

During the visit, Rather reviewed the proposed development of Nilnag Lake as a sustainable tourism destination and stressed the need for modern visitor facilities and supporting infrastructure. He said Nilnag has significant potential to emerge as a major tourist attraction while generating sustainable livelihoods for the local population.
He said ₹71 lakh has been proposed during the current financial year for tourism-related works, including parks, fencing, gates and walkways, aimed at improving the destination and visitor experience.
The Speaker also stressed improved connectivity between major tourist destinations. He said the Barinibal Road connecting Yusmarg with Nilnag would be developed to enable tourists to conveniently visit both destinations. A comprehensive development plan for Nilnag and the adjoining tourism belt, he said, would be pursued to ensure planned growth and better facilities.
Rather highlighted the economic impact of the closure of tourist destinations such as Yusmarg, Doodhpathri and Tosamaidan, saying the restrictions have adversely affected tourism-dependent livelihoods.
He urged the concerned authorities to review the decision in the larger public interest, taking into account its impact on local businesses, employment and the wider economy.
He also said the feasibility of developing the Bamilbal-Yusmarg and Dobal-Yusmarg roads would be explored in response to public demand, with the objective of improving connectivity for residents and visitors.
On road infrastructure, Rather said the Maharaja Road has been projected for development at an estimated cost of ₹12 crore. He further said macadamisation of the Nagam-Nilnag road would commence shortly and directed the concerned agency to complete the work expeditiously.
He also called for the macadamisation of link roads in Buzgoo, giving priority to stretches requiring immediate attention to ensure safer and smoother movement of residents.
On education infrastructure, the Speaker said ₹30 lakh has been allocated for construction of a protective wall around the High School, with the work to be taken up on priority.
Assuring residents of improved basic services, Rather said efforts would be made to strengthen drinking water supply under the Kalnag scheme. He informed that the balance work of the water supply scheme would commence the following day and was targeted for completion within a 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 the concerned departments.
The visit highlighted the administration's focus on combining tourism development with improved connectivity, water supply and civic infrastructure to support both residents and visitors across the Charar-i-Sharief constituency.