Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, November 14: Nooroz Baba Ziyarat Sharief, located in Khag area of Beerwah tehsil in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, is a prominent spiritual and historical site associated with the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Baba Nooroz Rishi (RA). Nestled amidst lush green hills and dense forests in the foothills of the Pir Panjal range, the shrine holds immense religious, historical and natural significance.
MLA Khansahib, Advocate Saifuddin Bhat, on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a renovation and restoration project of the historic Nooroz Baba Ziyarat Sharief in Khag, Budgam, at an estimated cost of ₹1 crore.
A large number of local residents and prominent personalities from the area were present on the occasion. The project aims to improve the infrastructure of the shrine and undertake essential renovation and developmental works.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Saifuddin Bhat said that Nooroz Baba Ziyarat Sharief is an important historical and religious site which holds a special place in the hearts of local people. He stressed the need to preserve, renovate and develop such religious and historical places.
He assured that further steps would be taken to ensure better facilities at the shrine.
The MLA said that the development of religious places, public infrastructure and essential facilities across the Khansahib constituency remains among his top priorities. He added that several more developmental projects would be taken up in different areas in the coming days.
He further said that efforts are being made to ensure balanced development across the entire constituency, including Khag and its adjoining villages, so that people living in far-flung areas also benefit from improved infrastructure and basic amenities.
The project will be executed through the Public Works Department (PWD), Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division Beerwah.
MLA Announces Parks, Parking Facilities and Tourist Huts to Promote Tourism in Khag
Speaking to the media, MLA Khansahib Advocate Saifuddin Bhat said that several developmental initiatives are being planned to promote tourism in Khag.
He said that multiple parks would be developed in the area, while parking facilities and tourist huts would also be constructed to provide better amenities to visitors.
The MLA said that Khag is blessed with immense natural beauty and tourism potential, and efforts are being made to develop it as a prominent tourist destination. He said improved facilities would not only enhance the experience of visitors but also generate new employment opportunities for local residents.
He added that the people had given him a mandate to serve them and assured that he would continue working for public welfare and the overall development of the constituency.
He emphasised that development should not remain confined to a few areas and that every part of the Khansahib constituency deserves equal attention in terms of infrastructure and developmental initiatives.
Appeals to Ministry of Home Affairs for Reopening of Tosamaidan and Uninterrupted Tourism in Doodhpathri
During his interaction with the public, MLA Saifuddin Bhat also raised the issue of tourism activities at Tosamaidan and Doodhpathri.
He appealed to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and other concerned authorities to take necessary steps towards reopening Tosamaidan and ensuring that tourism activities in Doodhpathri continue without unnecessary interruptions.
He said that both destinations possess tremendous tourism potential and are important not only for Budgam district but also for the overall tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The MLA said that prolonged restrictions and interruptions in tourism activities have affected several families whose livelihoods are directly or indirectly dependent on the tourism industry.
He pointed out that local horse owners, ATV operators, shopkeepers, transporters, tourist guides, small business owners and others associated with the tourism sector depend heavily on the arrival of visitors for their livelihoods.
He urged the concerned authorities to take the concerns and difficulties of local residents seriously, establish better coordination with security agencies and take appropriate measures to promote tourism activities while ensuring all necessary security arrangements.
Saifuddin Bhat said that reopening Tosamaidan and strengthening tourism activities in Doodhpathri could create fresh employment opportunities, particularly for unemployed youth, while providing economic relief to local communities.
He also stressed the need for better coordination among the administration, Tourism Department and Ministry of Home Affairs to address the concerns of local people and boost tourism in the region.
Concluding his remarks, the MLA reiterated his commitment to the overall development of the Khansahib constituency and said that he would continue raising public issues at appropriate forums while working towards the welfare and prosperity of the people.
