Naveed Ul Haq
Budgam, Jun 24: Nilnag Lake, located amidst lush green alpine forests near the famous tourist destination Yousmarg in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, holds a huge tourism potential and is a dream destination for adventure tourist lovers. However, it requires the administration’s attention for its development.
Many adventure lovers and locals, appealed to the government to develop the place to attract more visitors.
The lake is known for its blue water and is surrounded by pine trees and snow-capped mountains, presenting a picturesque view but the destination had not been developed by the authorities.
Ishfaq Ahmad, a local of Nilnag village said the lake, which is under the management of the Yousmarg Development Authority (YDA), has the potential to become a significant tourism destination for locals as well as tourists but is constantly being ignored by the administration.
“There is no doubt that the tourists from all over the country would love to come here if the government pays attention to this place and develop it like other tourist destinations,” Ishfaq said.
He said the authorities should make parks, install benches and start water activities besides fencing the lake. “But for that, the government should do more programmes and events for its promotion,” he said.
Adil Ahmad, an adventure lover, said if the government promotes this location and develops it like other tourist spots, it will create livelihood opportunities for the locals.
While acknowledging that the current administration has made some progress compared to previous governments, he pointed out that the work done is insufficient. “Although the government has put a couple of boats in the lake, they are still lying idle. The three huts built years ago have not been handed over yet,” Adil said.
“Several boats placed in this lake many years ago had fallen into disrepair after being abandoned. Similarly, three huts built years ago have also not yet been handed over,” Adil added.
He added that restoring these boats and making the huts accessible to tourists would provide job opportunities for the local youth.
He said the department installed lights here which are still off due to the non-payment of electricity bills.
The locals urge the authorities to resolve these issues to realise Nilnag Lake’s full tourism potential and provide economic benefits to the community.
