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Tourist spot in Kashmir gets a facelift

By Parvez Butt

Yousmarg (Jammu and Kashmir), July 30 (ANI): Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have started renovation and modernisation work at Yousmarg, a tourist spot in the Kashmir valley, to attract tourists.

Yousmarg, which was once a favourite destination of Indian filmmakers, is a small meadow located 50 kilometres from Srinagar.

Yousmarg, with its lush green landscape, was once a most sought-after tourist destination but lost its popularity due to the rise of militancy in the region.

Now however, much is being done to restore it to its old glory.

Work is on to beautify an irrigation canal, build rain shelters and tourist huts.

“There was a shortage of basic amenities. We are trying to augment the shortage, we have made some tourist huts, and we have provided sanitation facilities. We have also improved and developed an irrigation canal that passes through the area. There has been an overall modernization of the area. We have also made some more view points and spots,” said Rafi Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam District.

Yousmarg is also a favourite destination among local tourists and is frequently visited by school children on excursions.

Locals are also happy with the development work as it translates into more employment opportunities for them.

“The influx of tourists will increase due to the work the government has started here and we will benefit. The pony-owners of the area will also get a lot of work. Even the local shopkeepers will be benefited,” said Abdul Rasheed, a local.

About 80 percent of the population of the area is directly or indirectly dependent on the tourism trade. (ANI)