The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza accompanied by all concerned officers today inaugurated the launching of Village Zoogu-Kharian as Tourist village under Tourism Development Programme.Earlier, the DC was received by the village Zoogu and its adjacent areas in a highly traditional manner, beating drums and singing local folk songs.Speaking on the occasion, the DDC said that today is a big occasion for Zoogu-Kharian Village and its adjacent habitations as this day marks the new beginning of socio- economic upliftment of this area.The Area has been brought on a Tourism Map, which shall go a long way in shaping the future of Zoogu- Kharian, the DC said.He further said, faith and efforts together made this day possible and in near future the public of this area will see the difference. To materialize this, cooperation, sincerity, attitude, hospitality, honesty and strong commitment is very much required in changing the whole socio-economic dimension and diversity of this area, he added.
Mirza urged the local youth to grab the golden chance and utilize this opportunity in boosting footfall of tourists in the area. “Your responsibility will be to form and establish local youth clubs, Government is committed to support you”, he said, adding, “Each youth club will be given support of Rs 10 lacs, of which Rs 5 lacs will be provided by Government”.He said this money shall be used to create requisite infrastructure in chosen destinations where facilities are required for a tourist to stay for night.In addition, interested individuals, entrepreneurs can also be provided financial support under various Government sponsored schemes which aspiring youth need to give impetus to start any kind of entrepreneurship.The DC said the local youth can also play vital role as tourist guide assignment, since being local they all are well versed of the area in every aspect and their engagement will prove highly beneficial for them in earning livelihood hood.He said Zoogu-Kharian in the days ahead, particularly during tourist season, will be a vital base camp for visitors.
All trekkings towards upward areas, particularly Tosamaidan, will commence from here.Later, the DDC accompanied by all visited Ringzabal also a far flung area where he under public Outreach programme initiative conducted a public Darbar. The DDC on reaching the destination was welcomed by huge gathering with thundering applause.During the interaction, the locals of the area individually as well as in deputations apprised the visiting authorities about their grievances, demands and other issues that are presently required to be addressed. The issues included improvement of roads, improvement in water supply, implementation of welfare schemes under Tribal Sub Plan upgradation of Middle School Ringzabal to the level of High School and improvement in health infrastructure facilities.The DDC gave patient hearing to the audiences and assured that the concerned departments has been instructed to note all genuine issues and demands put forth. The Departments shall initiate the process of early redressal. However some big issues are there which may require some time and documentary process to address them also on a fast track basis, the DC said.At Ringzabal, the DC was also accompanied by SDM Khansahab, CEO, ACD, CAO, Ex. Engineer R&B, PHE and I&FC besides concerned officers and officials.