Opinion | Border Tourism in Kashmir: An Emerging Industry.

Peace on Borders Paves the Way for Border Tourism in Kashmir

Before a decade, horticulture was considered the backbone of the economy, providing a source of income and engagement for common people. The fruit industry was the primary market where a large number of people were engaged, serving as the main source of income for many. This was due to both the lack of infrastructure and attention given to other industries like tourism and small-scale enterprises. However, today we witness rapid growth in the tourism sector, especially in border tourism, thanks to increased attention, peace initiatives, and infrastructure development in newly identified tourist destinations in Kashmir. Known as the “paradise on earth,” Kashmir stands as the crown jewel of India, where every place is a tourist destination and every moment is filled with joy and entertainment amidst natural beauty. It has been exposed, explored, and made accessible to every citizen, thereby boosting the tourism sector in Kashmir.

A number of reasons are evident for the development of the tourism industry in Kashmir. The primary reason was the restoration of peace in the valley. It was a challenging task to provide a violence-free environment for tourists coming from outside the state. Reviving its core importance and dispelling the fear among outsiders who considered visiting Kashmir as inviting death was a tough task. Developing a sense of safety and security among people who love Kashmir beyond anything was crucial. Undoubtedly, this process took a long time, but ultimately, visitors from across the globe started visiting Kashmir without security concerns over the last four years. Moreover, not only have newly identified tourist places flourished, but border tourism has also been thoroughly opened up and added to the world tourist maps.
The recent growth in local and border tourism can be attributed to the enhancement of security measures and the elimination of infiltration along the borders. These border regions possess immense tourism potential. Protection from infiltration has not only safeguarded our borders but has also transformed them into peaceful, enjoyable, and tourism hubs. These areas are now frequently visited, with both Indian and international tourists exploring these places. This surge in tourism has not only benefited the newly identified tourist spots in Kashmir but has also contributed to the overall boost in the economy and engagement of the region.
The government’s rapid development efforts in the border areas of Kashmir have facilitated smooth journeys for tourists. Improved road connectivity to these borders and the establishment of offbeat tourist destinations have made them the current hotspots for tourism in Kashmir, thereby boosting the economy and engagement in the region. Just a few years ago, the idea of visiting North Kashmir’s golden grasslands and Asia’s largest grass green land, Bungus and Gurez, along with other offbeat border tourist places in Kashmir, seemed unimaginable. The government’s significant contribution has been in providing accessibility and removing public restrictions in these areas. These offbeat tourist destinations are now widely discussed and witness a huge influx of tourists. Development initiatives in these places are being prioritized and carried out expeditiously.
Since independence, telecommunication, electricity facilities have been extended to most of these locations. Despite being predominantly occupied by the Indian army forces, these areas have been kept accessible for all citizens, with amenities such as cafes along roads, viewpoints, and assistance provided to people and tourists alike by enthusiastic army personnel in all these border places. Due to infiltration concerns, offbeat and border tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg remained the primary focus for tourists before the abrogation. Kashmir, renowned for its natural beauty, including its border natural beauty, had been disrupted and did not receive adequate attention. However, with the recent opening of the borders following a cessation of hostilities, a significant influx of tourists has been observed, exploring border tourism. Now, tourists can witness the border beauty that divides the two countries in a peaceful atmosphere. Over the past 70 years, there had been little change, but in the last four years, there has been a drastic transformation. Our infrastructure, including roads, water, and electricity, has improved significantly. We extend our congratulations to the central government and the Indian army for their exemplary work. “It’s a beautiful scene when people from both countries wave at each other,” said Mumtaz Khan and Adv Tahir Majeed, locals of the area while normally taking to them.
Now, the Jammu and Kashmir government has formulated a plan for state border tourism in Kashmir. Over the last two years, the government has successfully opened the Line of Control (LoC) for tourists in Kashmir. The recent ceasefire, following a meeting between the Director Generals of Military Operations of both countries last year, aimed to respect the bilateral ceasefire agreement, bringing normalcy to the lives of people residing alongside the LoC. Officials believe that the border districts of Bandipora, Kupwara, and Baramulla, situated along the LoC, possess significant tourism potential.
Ajay Bhatt, MoS in the Defence Ministry, convened a meeting in September last year with relevant stakeholders and officials from the tourism department, assuring the ministry’s commitment to prioritizing tourism promotion in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
In alignment with these efforts, a tourism festival was organized in August 2021 at the Bangus Valley in Kupwara district, during which Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the collaborative efforts of the UT’s tourism department and the Army in facilitating visits to such remote destinations.
Over the past four years, routes and roads leading towards border areas have remained bustling with local, national, and international adventurers and tourists, transforming these places from hell to heaven. Official data reveals that a staggering 4.30 lakh tourists, both domestic and foreign, have visited border tourism destinations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. These destinations, including Keran, Lolab, Machil, Teetwal, Tangdhar, Gurez, Tulail, and Uri in north Kashmir, are swiftly gaining recognition as premier border tourist destinations in the region.
The influx of tourists has not only boosted the local economy and engagement but has also led to the provision of better facilities for visitors. According to official data from administrative officials in Bandipora, Kupwara, and Uri, approximately 4.30 lakh tourists have visited these destinations this year. Specifically, the border areas of Kupwara district have recorded around 3 lakh visitors, while the Uri region has witnessed 70,000 tourist arrivals, with Gurez hosting 60,000 tourists.
The development of border areas and their tourism is being expedited, with both the Indian army and administration working diligently to provide essential offbeat tourist destinations to the public, ensuring security, safety, and maximum facilities. Border roads are renowned for their high-altitude passes, which tourists must traverse. Each pass possesses its own distinct charm, offering panoramic views of rugged terrains, pristine valleys, and snow-capped peaks.
In north Kashmir, notable passes include Sadna Pass on the way to Tangdar, Toothmar Gali leading to Kaiya Bowl Peer Baba, Firkiya Pass en route to Keeran, Zamindar Gali heading towards Machil, and Razdan Pass leading to Gurez. Each pass holds unique beauty, nature, and historical significance, enriching the tourist experience and showcasing the diversity of the region. All these places are burgeoning tourist destinations, contributing to the growth of the local economy and engaging locals in a rapidly expanding industry.
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