Pilgrim Tourism Circuit in Kashmir

Chrar-e Sharief-Yusmarg-Pakherpora to be developed as major pilgrim tourism circuit 

Reiterating that promises and commitment made to the people would be fulfilled in the right earnest, Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather today said that next three years of the present government shall be a golden era of developmental and prosperity in the state.

Speaking at an open Awami Darbar at historic pilgrim destination, Chrar-i-Sharief, about 29 km from here today, Rather said that all available resources are being mobilized to provide requisite amenities to the people as per their urges and aspirations.

While highlighting the historical and religious importance of Chrar-i-Sharief town, Rather announced that Chrar-i-Sharief-Yusmarg-Pakherpora would be developed as a major Pilgrim Tourism Circuit adding that the Union Tourism Ministry has been approached to provide liberal funding for the purpose. He said both the shrines of Pakherpora and Chrar-i-Sharief have been brought under the purview of Yusmarg Development Authority, adding that upgradation and macadamization of Chrar-i-Sharief- Yusmarg-Pakherpora road is being completed at a cost of Rs 23 crore during the current year which will facilitate trouble free journey to the pilgrims and tourists visiting the shrines of Syed Ali Aali (RA) Pakherpora, Hazrat Noor-ud-Din Wali Chrar-i-Sharief and the world famous Yusmarg tourist spot. He said upgradation and macadamization of Srinagar-Chrar-i-Sharief-Srinagar road including construction of Wathora Bridge shall be completed by November this year.

Urging the need for further research to explore hitherto unknown facets of the life and poetry (Shilooks) of revered saint, Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, Rather said liberal funding will be provided for the purpose adding that the Kashmir University will establish Sheikh-ul-Alam International Research Centre for exhaustive research on the life and teachings of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din. He said literary and religious works of Hazrat Sheikh (RA) would be translated in to different languages to disseminate his message across the world in a right perspective.

Rather also announced that the reconstruction of historic Khankah, Chrar-i-Sharief would be completed in a time bound manner at a cost of Rs 26 crore and directed the concerned agency to expedite the ongoing work on this prestigious project. He said the upcoming structure would be a marvellous blend of traditional Islamic and modern architecture with a capacity for about 15,000 people to offer prayers at a time. It shall have a separate prayers Hall for women, Rather added. The original wooden structure, along with hundreds of residential and commercial establishments, was gutted in a devastating fire incident in 1995.

Responding to the demands projected by a cross section of people, Mr. Rather said that power supply position in the Chrar-i-Sharief town will be further improved so that pilgrims do not face any difficulty. He also announced to construct a Mini Secretariat at a cost of Rs 15 crore in the town to provide facilities to the people under one roof. About 8 kanals of land has been identified for the purpose, Rather said. He said that the Chrar-i-Sharief is being developed as a modern town where a modern sports stadium has already been constructed at a cost of Rs 1.20 crore. He also assured dto construct a modern shopping complex in the town.

While giving an account of the development works in and around Chrar-i-Sharief, Rather said Alamdar road, Chrar-i-Sharief-Tilsara road, Badipora-Rehkai-Alamkoot road and more specifically provision of drinking water facility to the people of Chrar-i-Sharief Karewas was a distant dream which has been transferred into reality due to his persistant efforts. Seeking whole hearted cooperation of the people in execution of development works, Rather said every genuine demand of the people would be fulfilled for which patience and peace was pre-requisite. He also enjoined upon the concerned officers and engineers of the district administration to be pro-active and responsive to the demands of the people at the Awami Darbar who have pinned high hopes with the government adding that “it must be our endeavour to come up to their expectations”.

Later, as a follow up action, the Minister chaired a meeting of the officers of district administration discussed all the demands and issues raised by the people. He directed the officers to solve all these problems and demands within minimum possible time.

The Minister also visited the mausoleum of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) to pay obedience. He prayed for wellbeing, peace and prosperity of the state.

Earlier, Immam-Jamia Khankah Moulvi Amir-ud-Din, on behalf of the people, presented a charter of demands to the Minister and among other things sought Biat-ul-Zairine and Degree College for the town.