 at Nagbal in Budgam district){kind=link}
MAY 25: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, inaugurated a newly constructed Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Nagbal in Budgam district. Built at a cost of ₹1.88 crore, the facility marks a significant step forward in improving healthcare services in the region, particularly for the residents of the Kandi belt.
Speaking at the inaugural event, Speaker Rather emphasized the government’s focus on strengthening grassroots health infrastructure and ensuring access to quality medical care in rural and remote areas. He said the new PHC would benefit thousands of residents by providing essential health services closer to their homes, thereby reducing their dependence on distant facilities.
In a major announcement that brought cheer to locals, Speaker Rather revealed plans to develop Yousmarg into the “next Gulmarg” — a premier tourism destination equipped with modern recreational facilities. The proposed development will include a gondola (cable car), skiing infrastructure, and other tourist-friendly amenities. “Yousmarg holds immense potential for tourism and economic growth. With proper infrastructure, it can attract national and international tourists just like Gulmarg,” he noted.
He added that such development would not only create employment opportunities for the local youth but also bring long-term socio-economic benefits to the entire region. Rather stressed the importance of inclusive growth, where both tourism and healthcare development go hand-in-hand to uplift underdeveloped belts.
The Speaker also directed concerned departments to expedite the completion of all pending development projects in the area. He urged officials to maintain transparency and efficiency in the execution of public works to ensure timely benefits to the people.
Residents and community representatives welcomed the announcements and thanked the administration for prioritizing both healthcare and tourism development in Budgam. Many expressed hope that these initiatives would transform the Kandi belt from a neglected region into a thriving, well-connected area.
Officials from the health, tourism, and public works departments were present at the inauguration and assured full cooperation in implementing the Speaker’s vision for the region.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fast-track rural development, with health, tourism, and infrastructure forming the backbone of Budgam’s future progress.