Handwara, Jul 07: After decades of public demand and anticipation, the historic Badambagh area at Watayan Kultoora in north Kashmir's Kupwara district is set for a major transformation with the launch of a ₹17 crore Eco-Tourism Project under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

The ambitious project, owned by the Horticulture Department, Kupwara, and being executed by the R&B Division Handwara, is expected to promote eco-tourism, improve rural infrastructure, generate employment opportunities for local youth, and restore the historical and natural significance of one of the district's most scenic destinations.

Situated just off the Sopore Kupwara Highway near Watayan Kultoora, the picturesque Badambagh has long been admired for its breathtaking landscape. Once renowned for its flourishing almond and walnut orchards, the area's natural beauty gradually declined over the years. Perched around 300–400 metres above the surrounding plains, the site offers panoramic views of Kupwara and Baramulla districts on one side and the majestic Divenal mountains and Sopore region on the other.

At the hilltop stands the revered shrine of the Sufi saint Peer Khan Wali Sahib, where devotees from different areas visit regularly to offer prayers and seek blessings. Senior citizens recall that Badambagh was once among the most popular picnic and recreational destinations in Kupwara district. Families, students and visitors from different regions gathered here during Eid, Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali and other festivals, reflecting the area's spirit of communal harmony and cultural unity.

Local residents said they had approached both the Union and Jammu and Kashmir administrations for many years, requesting that the area be developed as a recognised tourist destination. They expressed satisfaction that the project has finally been sanctioned under NABARD without political interference, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream.

According to official project details, the eco-tourism park will be developed over 120 kanals of land, with nearly 70 kanals reserved for plantations to preserve and enhance the area's ecological character. Planned infrastructure includes tourist huts, a large meeting hall, a chowkidar hut, an attractive entrance gate, a 1.6-kilometre internal road, landscaped flower gardens, water fountains, an irrigation water tank and solar-powered facilities. The project also includes the development and beautification of the heritage shrine of Peer Khan Wali Sahib located at the highest point of the site.

The construction work is being carried out by Al-Khadeej Infrastructure under the supervision of Firdous Ahmad Wani, who has assured that the project will retain the site's natural beauty while creating modern eco-tourism facilities. Project Engineer Khalid Farooq Qureshi, a native of the area, is closely monitoring the work to ensure timely and quality execution.

Executive Engineer, R&B Division Handwara, Farooq Ahmad Shah said the project reflects the government's commitment to sustainable rural development and tourism promotion. He expressed confidence that the initiative would create new livelihood opportunities while protecting the area's environmental and cultural heritage.

Officials and locals acknowledged the contribution of the R&B Division Handwara, particularly the efforts made over the past three years under the leadership of Executive Engineer Farooq Ahmad Shah, along with the Horticulture Department. Former Assistant Executive Engineer Mohammad Hussain and his team were also appreciated for their sustained efforts in preparing the project, which ultimately secured NABARD approval.

Residents have thanked the district administration, the Horticulture Department and the R&B Division Handwara for bringing the long-awaited project to fruition. They believe the initiative will not only strengthen the horticulture sector considered the backbone of the local economy but also place Badambagh Watayan Kultoora prominently on Jammu and Kashmir's tourism map, opening new avenues of economic growth and employment for the area.