Kashmir’s Border Villages Turn Tourist Hotspots
Suhail Khan
KUPWARA, Aug 3: Residents of the border areas in the Kashmir region, near the Line of Control (LOC), are finding new opportunities as their villages have become popular tourist destinations.
With the revocation of Article 370, these areas have witnessed a surge in tourism, with travellers flocking to explore the natural beauty and experience a rich cultural heritage.
This influx of tourists has opened up numerous avenues for the local residents to earn a dignified livelihood. Many have started guesthouses, homestays, and small-scale businesses catering to the needs of travellers.
According to the Kashmir Despatch correspondent’s recent visit to many border areas in Kupwara and Baramulla district of North Kashmir, the villagers are now able to sell local produce and traditional artefacts, showcasing their unique culture and generating income.
This transformation has not only provided economic benefits but has also restored a sense of hope and pride among the residents. The region, which was once affected by conflict and tension, is now witnessing peaceful coexistence between the local community and visitors.
The government has played a significant role in promoting tourism in these areas by investing in infrastructure development, ensuring better connectivity, and providing necessary support and guidance to the locals. With these initiatives, the region is gradually becoming a hotspot for both locals and domestic tourists.
The newfound popularity of these villages near the LOC is transforming the lives of the residents by offering them sustainable livelihood options and helping them embrace their cultural heritage.
With the official endorsement of cross-border tourism, approximately 150 individuals have set up homestays, out of which 70 have completed the necessary registration process with the appropriate government department. These establishments offer visitors a place to stay, along with the chance to savour local traditional cuisine and experience the well-known hospitality of Kashmir.
These homestays have emerged as a vital means of income for the local community. Not only have these accommodations bolstered the financial conditions of the border residents, but they have also enabled visitors to forge meaningful connections with these secluded communities, presenting them with a truly distinct experience.
An officer in civil administration told Kashmir Despatch that after the go-ahead for border tourism, people not only across the union territory are visiting such border tourism spots, but people from other states as well as foreigners are visiting to explore the real beauty of border places.
The officer said this move to open this border for tourism is helping the local population in a great way.
He spoke of unexplored heaven and pristine hiking trails, which have turned the area into an irresistible allure for visitors of diverse backgrounds. Harmonious coexistence and flourishing advancements mark the surroundings of the Line of Control, infusing a serene ambiance that resonates with the people living in Teethwal, Keran, Machil, Jumgund, Kumkadi, and other regions within Kupwara district in north Kashmir, he added.
Meanwhile, In a conversation with Kashmir Despatch, Gh Nabi Bhat, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara, said, “Foreign tourists are visiting close to Line of Control areas, which was not possible earlier.”
At least 15,000 visitors visited north Kashmir’s Keran, Karnah, Machil, Tangdhar, and Teetwal sectors. Despite being close to the LoC, at least 50,000 tourists have visited north Kashmir’s Bangus valley in the Kupwara district. The Kupwara ADC added that after peace has prevailed on the LoC, the tourism in the valley will flourish with 75 tracking tracks, mesmerising spots, and dense forests. “For permission purposes, visitors need to apply online at http://epass.kupwara.co.in/apply for the pass, and they receive the movement pass within 24 hours,” he informed.
