SRINAGAR: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Saturday said that Yousmarg is set to be developed into the next Gulmarg, with a focus on modern tourist infrastructure, all-weather access, and recreational facilities such as skiing and a gondola.
The Speaker made the remarks while inaugurating a newly constructed Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Nagbal in Charar-i-Sharief constituency, completed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.88 crore. The project aims to improve basic medical care in the region and reduce dependency on distant urban health centres.
Highlighting the government’s long-term tourism vision, Rather said, “Yousmarg will be developed on the lines of Gulmarg to include modern amenities, all-season access, and tourist attractions. This development will play a significant role in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of residents in the kandi belt.”
The Speaker emphasised that tourism development will be integrated with community upliftment, focusing on job creation and better public services for the local population.
Addressing the healthcare sector, Rather said the new PHC at Nagbal will serve the residents of surrounding areas with facilities including ECG, dental services, gynaecology, separate male and female wards, and a minor operation theatre. He inspected various units of the facility and took stock of medicines and staff readiness.
Although the main building has been completed at Rs 1.53 crore, an additional Rs 35 lakh is required for boundary wall construction, landscaping, and the approach road.
The Speaker also referred to the establishment and functioning of other PHCs across the constituency, including those at Kanir, Tilsara, Nowpora, Hushroo, Nilnag, Bonen and Watkalu, as well as Sub-District Hospitals in Charar-i-Sharief, Pakherpora, and Nagam.
He said pending projects such as PHC Challein Chhotnar and other health and educational initiatives will be expedited. “We are committed to improving infrastructure in Charar-i-Sharief, with special attention to the health and education sectors,” he added.
Under the Aspirational Plan for Surasyar and Pakherpora, additional funding will be allocated to strengthen healthcare and education.
During his visit, Rather also met with various public delegations who presented their concerns. He assured them that all genuine issues will be taken up with the concerned departments for redressal.
Senior officials including ADC Budgam Mehraj-ud-Din Shah, CEO Yousmarg Development Authority Bilal Khurshid, SDM Chadoora Primrose Bashir, CMO Budgam Dr. Gulzar, Assistant Director Health Dr. Sabha, and others were present on the occasion.
