Reviving neglect

Kashmir, long hailed as “Paradise on Earth,” continues to captivate travelers. Yet, beneath the surface of this well-celebrated image lies a growing concern: several tourist destinations across the Union Territory remain overlooked, neglected and underdeveloped. This lack of attention poses a significant hurdle to the government’s ambitious mission of expanding Kashmir’s tourism map and creating sustainable economic opportunities across the region. While iconic locations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Dal Lake enjoy the spotlight and infrastructural support, many equally captivating destinations, from the meadows of Bangus and the valleys of Warwan and Lolab to the serene Gurez and Daksum, are still struggling for basic connectivity, promotion and investment. These areas, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, hold immense untapped potential not only to attract tourists but also to distribute economic benefits more equitably among local communities. The government has made commendable strides in promoting Kashmir as a year-round destination, including hosting the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar and initiating eco-tourism and adventure tourism projects. However, the focus must now shift from overburdened tourist hotspots to a more balanced and inclusive model of development that brings lesser-known areas into the fold. Failure to do so not only risks environmental degradation in overcrowded areas but also hampers the larger vision of positioning Kashmir as a diverse and dynamic tourism hub. The reasons for this neglect are multifaceted, ranging from poor road infrastructure, lack of accommodation facilities, weak digital promotion, and, at times, lingering security perceptions. These barriers need urgent redressal through coordinated efforts between the tourism department, local administration, and private stakeholders. Digital campaigns showcasing these hidden destinations, better last-mile connectivity, and incentives for homestay and eco-tourism ventures can go a long way in transforming these areas.