Tasaduq Hussain
Kupwara, Sep 27: Two years ago, before the renewed ceasefire agreement, shells and gunfire would disrupt normal run in areas like Keran, Teethwal, Machil, and other border areas. Today, tourists are flocking to these areas to enjoy the unexplored virgin destinations in north Kashmir.
Kupwara, a border district sharing its boundary with neighboring Pakistan over the last three decades has been a victim of ceasefire violations causing damage to the civilian population, properties, and livestock.
With the renewed ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan armies in February 2021, the border areas of the district’s earlier no-go zones have been opened up for tourism-related activities.
Places like Teethwal, Keran, Bungus, Machil, and Nowgam prone to ceasefire violations have been opened up and are being explored by off-beat destination lovers.
Last year Kupwara received a record number of over 1 lakh tourists which includes both domestic and those from Jammu and Kashmir.
Apart from border tourism, Kupwara has also seen a revival of religious tourism after almost 7 decades. After the reconstruction of Sharda Temple at Teethwal in Karnah sector pilgrims from across the country and J&K are visiting there to offer prayers.
The process to obtain permission to visit the border areas officials said has been eased up and both online and offline modes have been made available. “A dedicated domain has been developed for online permissions.”
Officials privy to tourism activities in the district said that approximately 2.50 lakh tourists have already visited Kupwara this year till 31st August. “This has already exceeded the previous year’s figure. It is expected to reach a record number this year. It includes both Jammu and Kashmir residents and those coming from different parts of the country.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lolab Bungus Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA) Ghulam Jeelani Kupwara is very diverse and has a lot of tourism potential. “We are generating awareness across the country to attract more tourists. We welcome all to enjoy the diversity, picturesque views, and other tourism potential areas. This year, the Tourism Day theme aims to ensure biodiversity is preserved and no harm is caused to natural resources. We aim to preserve natural texture without disturbing it,” he said. The CEO said that there is no parallel to Bungus Valley across the globe. “Border tourism has evolved to a greater extent. Border areas like Teethwal and Keran are receiving huge numbers of tourists. Lolab and Machil areas also have their significance. Ring Bala in Machil has no match across the globe. The LG-led administration is very serious about the tourism sector and its promotion,” he said.
He also said that several initiatives have been taken for tourism promotion. “With peace and no conflict at borders also the improvement in the security situation has helped in the tourism industry. In this context, tourist’s footfall has increased as they feel safe and secure here. All the efforts are being taken for the promotion of tourism activities.”
About the revival of religious tourism, the CEO said that Sharda mandir is also receiving a huge number of devotees thus promoting religious tourism. “Devotees in numbers are coming from different parts of the country which is very encouraging. A lot of initiatives are being ensured, as it has come to the light of tourists as well.”
He further said that there is a need for tourism infrastructure and a place like Bungus will be the focus of attraction across the world and the country in particular.
With tourism activities picking pace in the district, people associated with it are also thrilled as they are getting to make a livelihood out of it. People are getting associated with tourism activities and offering different facilities like, Homestay, Small hotels restaurants, tents, camping equipment, small business units, and others.
Shahid-ul-Islam Wani, a local associated with tourism activities, adventure in particular said that the announcement of a ceasefire by the Government of India along the borders has given great respite to border residents of Kupwara. “With almost 80% of the borders of our district falling along LOC, the dividends have been received by the whole district, particularly by residents of earlier no-go zones. With tourists visiting, staying, and enjoying the border areas, the economic benefits have started percolating to the locals of these border areas,” he said.
Shahid believes that the residents of the border areas have started reaping the benefits of the tourism industry. “Almost every resident in all of these border areas has earmarked one room in their houses and homestays, through which they earn handsome amounts every time a tourist stays with them. The homestay owners need to be hand-held in terms of improvement of facilities. More facilities to accommodate more tourists need to be created.”
He also said that Kupwara needs to be showcased as an off-beat, border tourism site in domestic as well as international markets by the tourism department. “The more promotions, the more tourists visiting us.”
