Rafiabad residents seek better road connectivity to tap tourism potential

Baramulla, July 13: The residents of Rafiabad in Baramulla district of north Kashmir are calling for comprehensive development measures to harness the untapped tourism potential of the region.

Locals identified better road connectivity as the primary issue that must be addressed to develop the area.

"The area has tremendous tourism potential," said Basharat Mehraj Shah, chairman of the Citizen's Forum Rafiabad Baramulla, a non-political organisation dedicated to the betterment of the area.

Basharat highlighted the lack of proper roads as the biggest challenge to the development of Rafiabad. He said that a crucial 20 km road stretch passing through Dangiwacha village, which serves over 40 scenic villages, was approved for macadamisation and repair in 2019.

He said, however, work ceased after completing only 6 km from Watergam to Hachaypora. This halt in construction, according to Basharat, has hindered the area's potential as a top tourist destination in Kashmir.

The inadequate road infrastructure has also created hardships for local residents. They said proper roads would ease the difficulties faced by visitors and the common people, including students. "The lack of proper roads has multiplied the hardships of the people in villages such as Chatoosa, Tangmulla, Zethan, Kangroosa, Hanoora, and others especially during rainy days and winter," said Ghulam Rasool of Zethan Rafiabad.

In February 2023, the Baramulla district administration organised a snow festival at the picturesque Mund Daji, featuring sports activities and highlighting the area's natural beauty. Despite the event's success, Basharat stressed the need for a comprehensive follow-up, including better roads and facilities, to promote the region effectively.

"The picturesque villages like Mand Daji, Ketardaji, Shalkoot, Ladoo Ladoora, and Purdaji connect to the Nowgam sector and finally to Bungus valley in Kupwara. Constructing a road network considering the brighter tourism potential of these areas will not only reduce unemployment but also transform the economic fortunes of the region," Basharat added.