World famous Tourist resort Doodhpathri in central Kashmir Budgam is all set to be a hot spot for winter tourism from the current year.Decision to this effect was taken during the visit of the PDF Chairman and MLA Khansahib Hakeem Yaseen along with the Director Tourism Kashmir , Mehmood Ahmad shah, Chief Executive Officer Doodhpathri Development Authority ( CEO) Doodpathri Development Authority ( DDA) and concerned officers during their visit to Doodhpathri to take stock of the availability of tourist related facilities there .It was decided that the tourism department will make available all the required infrastructural facilities during the winter months also at Doodjpathri for convenience of both foreign and domestic winter tourists.During their vsisit to the Ziarat Sharief Hazrat Shiekh Noor ud Din Wali ( RA) at Driagam and Ziarat Syed Soleh,Khansahib , it was stated tha both these sacred shrines are being developed under pilgrim tourism scheme at a cost of Rs.5 Cr. and Rs. 1.12 cr. respectively.
Hakeem Yaseen asked the concerned executing agencies to further expedite the pace of work on various ongoing tourism projects so as to give a big boost to tourism activities in the area. He said Khansahib area has vast tourism potential which, once exploited could provide ample employment and livelihood opportunities to a large number un employed youth. He also urged for early approval of the proposed Gulmarg,-Tossamaidan,-Doodhpathri and Yusmarg mega tourist circuits to offer a vast and varied travel choice to the tourist at global level. He said with the construction of approved Rs.76 cr. modern Grid station at Khansahib, it will be easier to provide better facilities at various tourists’ sports in the area. Worthwhile yto mention that the Government has already released an amount of Rs. 25 lakh for land acquisition of this ambitious Grid station.Hakeem Yasin asked the Director tourism to initiate measures for introducing winter games including snow skiing, ice hockey, snow skating, sledging and other winter games at Doodhpathri , which witnesses heavy snow falls during the winters. (CNS)