By: Sahil Manzoor Bhatti
Alhamdulillah, every corner of the Kashmir Valley is heading towards
the new developmental goals. Like road connectivity, electricity
networks, tap water facilities, ration depots, and many more basic
facilities. All of this happened due to various beneficial schemes
like the Jal Jeevan mission and PMGSY (Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak
Yojana).
With the passing of every day, the valley is heading toward
developmental goals, but one thing is unfortunate: we have unemployed
educated youth. The government should introduce beneficial schemes for
them on a priority basis so that every soul and every household feels
the pleasure of happiness and peace of mind. People are disturbed due
to unemployment and financial crunch, and some do not have the basic
commodities. Every soul should be thankful to Allah and then to the
government. Our nation has great resources so that every citizen of
our nation can live a happy life with great dignity and pride.
Today, in this article, I am going to share the beautiful scenes of my
village, getting popularity as Raiyar-Ich, or the noon chai village,
or the resting place for the tourists in Doodhpathri, Budgam.
Why is Doodhpathri famous in all the corners of the world? Doodhpathri
has many other attractions, like trekking sports like Ashtar, Diskhal,
Tchanz, and Nukh; the main mountain of Doodhpathri recently received
the first snowfall of the year 2025.
I have been working for the last 6 years to introduce every bit of my
district to the world and want everyone to know my district with
dignity and regard, and I like sharing the beautiful scenes of winter,
spring, summer, and autumn. I hope government administration brings
every corner of the valley on the tourist map, and everyone will
benefit from the beneficial schemes and be capable of generating
self-employment.
I am residing in Tangnar; such a belt is now becoming a housing area,
and people are joyful to invest and are hoping for great business
development. In the future, the Tangnar will become the main tourist
attraction, and every bit should be getting placed in the papers.
A peaceful village in the district of Budgam
There are ten districts in the Kashmir Valley. Every district has its
own unique, special, and endowed history, and District Budgam is one
of them. The district of Budgam is 12 km from the heart of Srinagar’s
Lal Chowk. In the past, most popular areas presently included in the
Srinagar district were considered in Budgam. So Budgam and Srinagar
have been close bounds for decades.
Budgam district is one of the mesmerizing, picturesque districts in
the Kashmir Valley. The Sheikh ul Alam (RA) Shrine in Charar-e-Shareef
in the district of Budgam is very special for the district. The
district has lavish, sensuous tourist places like Doodhpathri,
Tosamaidan, Sotchal Pathri, and Sukhnag; many more will be explored in
the future.
Today, in this article, I am going to explore the mesmerizing beauty
of Raiyar Ich.
Raiyar Ich is an emerging village in terms of rapid development.
Raiyar Ich is a panchayat Halqa with nine panch wards and beautiful
topography.
Raiyar Ich: It is a picturesque hamlet and a resting place for
tourists who come from different corners of the world. Facts to know
about the Raiyar Ich. “Raiyar” comprises two Kashmiri words, i.e.,
“Rai” means lost and “Yaar” means friend in the Kashmiri language. So
the name had been given to this hamlet by the mystic Kashmiri Sufi
saint, Sheikh Noor Ud Din Wali (RA). It’s so that when he reached the
said village from the forests of the Pir Panjal, he sent his friends
to different parts of Kashmir to spread Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be
upon him) teaching, and he managed to start his journey alone towards
Dreygam cave. (Source: Local legend of the village).
Why Raiyar is attractive to the tourists
The village is literally endowed with a vast and rich culture covered
with lush green forests; during late nights, the crisp wind bestows
peace of mind to everyone present in its surroundings. The smoothening
sound of the Sukh-Nag River feels like someone is touching the guitar
and is producing heart-touching music. The people of the village are
so innocent and humble, living peacefully with their inherited
culture. Raiyar is famous for rajma (kidney beans), maize bread, and
walnuts.
Sources of income for the locals
It is very fortunate for the locals that Doodhpathri got a place on
the tourist map. Doodhpathri is one of the emerging tourist
destinations in the Khansahib tehsil and in the district of Budgam,
and generates employment for thousands of unemployed local youth.
What locals demand
1. Higher Secondary School: As the Raiyar Ich becomes the central hub
for the adjoining villages, locals demand the upgrade of the high
school Raiyar Ich into a higher secondary school. The population is
underprivileged and can’t afford to send their children to Khansahib;
they have to spend Rs 50 on fare.
2. A highly equipped sports stadium for the local emerging sports stars.
3. A children’s park for local children with safe sports equipment.
4. Grazing area for the locals: The population has been grazing cattle
for centuries, and most of them are earning their livelihood and
boosting the economy of the district.
5. Computer skill centers under centrally sponsored schemes are very
important for the local unemployed youth. The youth of the area are
desirous of achieving their goals in all fields, like medicine,
teaching, etc.
6. Stay-home scheme: All the households of the village should be
covered under the stay-home scheme so that they get a chance to earn
their livelihood. Benefits under the stay-at-home policy should be
given to all the registered households for further upgrading of their
residential houses.
7. Bhatti Mohallah, Tangnar Road connectivity should take priority:
During harsh winters, tourist flow should be diverted from Bhatti
Mohallah Tangan via TRC Tangnar. Tourists can enjoy and may learn
about the culture of the locals of the area, and it becomes a way of
earning a living for the locals.
Author can be reached at:
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