Budgam: Yousmarg, a picturesque meadow located approximately 46 kilometers from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, has been grappling with the absence of essential amenities, impacting both locals and tourists.
Locals told news agency JKNS that the number of tourists visiting the spot is very low which isn’t enough to around 600 horse owners and other stakeholders.
They said that key issues include at the spot include the lack of mobile network coverage, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and healthcare facilities.
They said that government has been promoting other tourist destinations but due to unknown reasons this spot is being neglected.
Visitors have expressed frustration over the inability to access cash due to the absence of ATMs, hindering transactions for services like horse riding.
Additionally, the lack of mobile connectivity leaves tourists disconnected, complicating communication, especially during emergencies.
The absence of nearby medical facilities further exacerbates the situation, posing significant risks during health emergencies.
If government will promote this tourist spot, the number of tourists will increase but government isn’t taking any serious interest in it, they said.
Earlier there was governor rule and we were not expecting anything but we were having expectations from the NC lead government but they have failed to make any impact, they said.
They have sought the attention of CM Omar Abdullah and MLA concerned Ab Rahim Rather to take steps for the promotion of this spot.
They alleged that no work is being done at the spot due to which tourists visiting the destination are facing problems.
Bilal Khurshid, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Yousmarg Development Authority, has reported ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure. Initiatives include the installation of a Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) mobile tower at Nagbal, approximately 5 kilometers from Yousmarg, aiming to restore network connectivity.
He said that other infrastructure is being developed at the spot while the rush of tourists has remained low everywhere this year due to lack of snowfall.
He said that number of tourists visiting the spot has increased from 1.5 lakh to 3.5 lakh in last two years and with better infrastructure, the number is expected to increase further.—(JKNS)
