‘Exploring Yousmarg as a Skiing Destination will create job avenues for the locals and will keep the place a buzz during winters as well’ : Gazanfar Ali
Yousmarg March 01(KNB): The Department of Youth Services & Sports J&K (YS&S) presented its newly completed skiing venue in Central Kashmir’s Usemarg as an example of its commitment to make Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) a hub of winter sports.
Yousmarg, a small hamlet is a beautiful tourist spot in central Kashmir’s district Budgam. It is around 48 kilometres away from the summer capital, Srinagar.
Director Youth Services & Sports (YS&S), Gazanfar Ali, while expressing happiness over the launch of the new skiing destination in Yousmarg by the Department of Youth Services and Sports said, that Yousmarg is one of the best visiting spots in the Valley during summers and to make it an all season destination for tourists, this initiative was taken by the Department under the supervision and guidance of Principal Secretary of the Department Mr Alok Kumar. He further added that the snow-covered slopes here are perfect for skiing and, hence with the launch of this new skiing venue, a number of skiing enthusiasts can visit here.
“The Department is promoting skiing courses and the authorities here have begun several skiing courses for varied age groups. Skiing will keep the tourist place a buzz during winters as well and will create avenues of job for the youth of surrounding areas,” Director YS&S, Gazanfar Ali said, adding that in the maiden training course at the destination, 25 skiers were selected from different South Kashmir districts.
“Any ski resort requires adequate infrastructure and space, and Usemarg has plenty of both skiing as well as adventure tourism. The climate here is also perfect for carrying out winter activities and games. These activities will definitely help in boosting and promoting tourism in the region,” said Bashir Ahmed, Joint Director of the Department. Later Noor ul Haq DYSSO, Pulwama in his vote of thanks presented his gratitude to Director YSS for his gracious presence in the event and encouraging his subordinate officers to take up such initiatives.
Meanwhile, Proceedings of the colourful ceremony were conducted by Iincharge, Media and publicity Wing of the Department.(KNB)