Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Jul 4: As temperatures soar across Kashmir, residents are flocking to the valley’s picturesque picnic spots in unprecedented numbers, seeking respite from the scorching heat.
The heat wave has gripped Kashmir with most of the places recording the hottest day of the season on Tuesday. The maximum temperature recorded a further rise Wednesday with Srinagar recording the hottest day of the season at 35.6 degree Celsius.
Amid heat wave conditions, the serene meadows, gardens, and lakes are witnessing a significant surge in local visitors, transforming these natural retreats into bustling hubs of activity.
Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are experiencing a record influx of locals, drawn by the promise of cooler climates and scenic beauty. Offbeat destinations too are witnessing huge rush of locals as well as tourists. There is also a significant increase in the foreign tourist influx too.
Officials from the Pahalgam Development Authority said that the destination has been receiving an unprecedented number of visitors, particularly locals since the last few weeks.
“The destination is always in the wishlist of locals as well as the non-locals. Pahalgam, which is already receiving an increased number of tourists this season, is also crowded by the locals. The reason could be that Pahalgam is relatively cooler than other areas and has abundant water resources to cool the atmosphere,” they said.
The hill station of Gulmarg, renowned for its meadows and pleasant weather, has become a hotspot for families and groups looking to escape the sweltering temperatures.
Such is the rush of the people at the destination that the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Gulmarg issued an advisory for schools of Kashmir Division in connection with visiting Gulmarg on weekends due to heavy rush.
The CEO TDA Gulmarg as per an official communication has advised the Schools of Kashmir Division to avoid visiting Gulmarg on Saturdays and Sundays in view of high influx of locals and tourists.
“We never witnessed such a huge rush of locals as well as tourists here in Gulmarg before. It often results in traffic snarls and dearth in parking space for the vehicles. There is an immense flow of locals, particularly school picnics,” said Muneer Ahmad Dar, a local shopkeeper.
Similarly Sonamarg too is attracting large crowds eager to enjoy outdoor picnics and leisurely strolls.
Trekking expeditions to greater lakes and other spots too have increased following hot weather conditions in Kashmir.
“We take nearly seven groups of people, particularly tourists, to various trekking points of the valley. Trekking season has begun now and big treks including Greater lakes, Nafran valley, Kausarnag and others have opened for the public,” said Mohammad Arif founder of Cliffhangers India.
