Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Apr 15: As the peak tourism season nears, residents living along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir are hopeful for renewed government focus on promoting border tourism in the region.
With destinations like Keran, Tangdhar, Teetwal, Machil, Bangus Valley, Gurez and Uri drawing interest from travellers, locals believe that with better infrastructure and sustained attention, these areas could become major contributors to the local economy.
Border tourism is a government initiative aimed at opening previously restricted areas near the LoC to tourists. The idea is to integrate these regions into the broader tourism framework of Jammu and Kashmir, with the dual goals of encouraging economic development and fostering peace.
Over the past few years, places like Keran in Kupwara district have seen a slow but steady stream of tourists. This has provided some relief to residents who have long relied on agriculture or government jobs. However, many locals say that the momentum is not enough.
“We have seen some tourists coming here during summers, but the facilities are very limited,” Abdul Gani, a resident of Tangdhar, said.
“There are no proper rest houses or roads in some parts. If the government wants to promote tourism here, these basic things need to be taken care of first,” he added
Residents said that even a modest increase in tourist numbers could create jobs and reduce the economic burden many families face. Young people in these areas often migrate to towns and cities for work due to a lack of local opportunities.
“In Keran, a few of us started small shops for tourists,” said Rubina Jan, who runs a tea stall near a newly opened viewpoint. “But we are unsure whether this will continue or not. We need a long-term plan.”
Locals have urged the administration to focus on building infrastructure such as roads, communication networks, health facilities, and sanitation.
They believe that the region needs more publicity to attract tourists from outside Kashmir. “People still associate LoC areas with conflict,” said Bilal Ahmad from Machil. “But things have been peaceful for some time now. The government should help change this perception.”
“In winter, we are completely cut off. Tourism during the summer is the only time we can earn something,” said Mohammad Ramzan, a shopkeeper in Dawar. “But without facilities, tourists don’t stay long.”
“Even one guesthouse can change things for many families here,” said Shazia Bano, who hopes to start a homestay. “We need training, support, and basic help to take this forward.”
According to officials, some development work is underway, including road repairs and the setting up of tented accommodations in select locations. However, much remains to be done to make the region viable for sustained tourism.
