Budgam:- Welcoming Govt., decision to construct two ropeways one in each in Loran Poonch to Tossamaidan and Sitharant to Tossamaidan in district Budgam ,Chairman Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (JKPDF) and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Thursday has demanded resumption of work on Mandi Loren – Tosomaidan – Arizal road which was started in 1985 after the cabinet approval . He said the then Cabinet Minister Sonam Narboo had himself kick started work on the road in 1985 , but remains abandoned till date due to un known reasons.
In a statement issued issued here on Thursday Hakeem while welcoming governments approval for construction of two ropeways one in each in Loran Poonch to Tossamaidan and Sitharan to Tossamaidan in district Budgam , has urged for resumption of work on languishing developmental projects in Budgam district including Mandi Loren – Tosomaidan – Arizal road which was started in 1985 but remains incomplete till date . He said construction of Mandi Loren – Tosomaidan – Arizal road besides providing an alternate road link to connect Kashmir valley with Pir Panchal region , would go a long way in fostering inter cultural ties and socio- economic partnership between people in the respective areas .
The PDF Chief has also demanded construction of ropeway project from tourist resort Yusmarg to upto Neelnag and lush green meadows of Bargah . “ Blue print and project report for this tourism infrastructure project was concieved and approved way back in 2013 but remains on papers till date, Hakeem added. He underscored the need for development of road network and tourism infrastructure in Yusmarg , Doodhpathri and Tossamaidan tourist resorts for tapping vast economic and employment generation potential adding that these virgin tourism attractions offer tremendous scope for major adventure tourist activities, being surrounded by unique and lush green meadows , high peaks and Alpine hights.
Moreover the government has recently approved an ambitious multi crore Central project under Parvat Mala to develope a comprehensive ropeway network to benefit all sections of the population and to boost tourism activities in a big way . These projects also include 2.5 kms Loran Poonch to Tossamaidan ropeway at a cost of Rs120 cr and 2.5 kms Sitharant to Tossamaidan- Budgam ropeway costing Rs 120 cr .