Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Apr 1: Out of the sight Prang Park in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district craves the administration’s attention, with locals demanding that the splendor of the park should be restored.
Located on the banks of Nallah Sindh in Kangan tehsil of Ganderbal District, Prang Park was once a famous and well-known tourist destination in the area, with people from all over the valley visiting here daily to see the high-speed waves of the nallah flowing just near this park. However, due to unfavorable conditions, including the eruption of violence in Kashmir in 1990, the park now wears a deserted look.
“Although the park originally belonged to the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation and several beautiful huts were woven here; these huts were burned,” a local said, adding, “Although the J&KPDC began to resettle the park, the department says it has no funds to continue the work, leaving the park in a deserted state.”
He said while the government is making all-out efforts to promote tourism in Kashmir, the park must be restored. “Prank Park was once a significant tourist destination, employing several people. The same can be done again,” he said.
Locals have claimed that the restoration of the park would attract more tourists and provide employment opportunities for people in the area.
Another local said, “We have many beautiful Buddhist sites in the valley that are just waiting to be discovered by tourists. These sites not only have a historical and religious significance, but they also offer stunning natural beauty. However, despite the potential for growth in Buddhist tourism, some areas are still underdeveloped and lack basic infrastructure.”
He said that with the right investment, the government could create more jobs and improve the lives of local residents.
Nonetheless, many residents remain optimistic about the future of Buddhist tourism in the valley. “I believe that with the right policies and investments, Buddhist tourism can become a major source of income for our region. It would not only benefit local businesses but also help to promote our culture and traditions to visitors from around the world,” said a local businessman.
The locals have urged the Lieutenant Governor administration to pay attention to the tourist destination and restore it to its former glory.
