Hakeem seeks construction of golf course at Doodhpathri

Srinagar, Aug 07: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF), Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the construction of 18 ropeway projects sanctioned by the Administrative Council (AC) last year in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Parvat Mala initiative aims to develop a comprehensive ropeway network in the union territory to benefit all sections of the population and boost tourism activities. The projects include the construction of Loran Poonch to Tossamaidan and Sitharant to Tossamaidan ropeways in the Khansahib areas of central district Budgam.
Yaseen in a statement sought the Chief Secretary’s personal intervention to expedite work on all the proposed ropeways, including the Loran Poonch to Tossamaidan and Sitharant to Tossamaidan ropeways. He also demanded the construction of a ropeway at Neelnag-Yusmarg up to Bargah meadow to boost tourism activities in Buzgoo, Chrari Sharief, and Pakherpora areas.
The PDF Chairman requested the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, and the Chief Secretary to sanction a modern golf course at Doodhpathri, citing its vast golf tourism potential.
Hakeem alleged mismanagement in three tourism development authorities (TDAs) of Tossamaidan, Doodhpathri and Yusmarg. He has urged an emergency review meeting to overhaul the functioning of these TDAs and has sought the Chief Secretary’s personal intervention to develop basic infrastructure in these tourist destinations.
He also pointed out the non-availability of basic tourism infrastructure in these TDAs, including cleanliness, sanitation, and sewerage treatment facilities. “Tourists are facing difficulties in finding comfortable night stays due to administrative neglect,” he said.
The former minister said that building necessary tourism infrastructure on a priority basis is crucial. “The Tossamaidan, Doodhpathri and Yusmarg tourist resorts have a potential for winter tourism, water sports, rafting, golfing, skiing, adventure and trekking activities,” he said, adding that these places can be developed as round-the-year tourism destinations.