Srinagar, Mar 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) has strongly urged the government to grant Boder district status to Tangmarg, highlighting the region’s growing population, economic stagnation, and administrative neglect despite hosting the internationally acclaimed tourist destination Gulmarg.
In a statement issued today, JKCSF Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani described Tangmarg as a “classic case of tourism visibility without grassroots development,” where global recognition has not translated into local prosperity.
The forum pointed out that Tangmarg has a predominantly rural population exceeding one lakh, with a large segment either unemployed or dependent on seasonal and informal sources of income.The absence of structured industrial or service sectors has further aggravated the employment crisis among youth, forcing many to rely on unstable livelihoods.
A major concern highlighted by JKCSF is the Kandi (rain-fed) nature of large parts of Tangmarg, which significantly limits agricultural productivity. With little access to irrigation and modern farming inputs, agriculture has become increasingly unreliable, leaving farmers economically vulnerable.
Adding to these challenges, vast forest areas dominate the region, where sizable populations reside with limited cultivable land and restricted access to forest resources. These communities often lack substantial and sustainable sources of income, making them among the most economically marginalized sections.
While Gulmarg generates considerable tourism revenue and attracts visitors from across the globe, JKCSF noted that the economic benefits remain largely confined, with peripheral villages in Tangmarg receiving minimal direct gains. Employment linked to tourism is mostly seasonal, inconsistent, and insufficient to sustain the growing population.
The forum also emphasized that being far away part of Baramulla district has led to administrative disadvantages, including delayed service delivery, inadequate infrastructure development, and lack of focused governance due to the vast geographical spread of the district.
“Tangmarg has the potential to emerge as a model region combining tourism, ecology, and rural development, but this requires a dedicated administrative framework,” the statement added.
JKCSF asserted that granting district status would: Enable targeted and efficient governance; improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education facilities; facilitate employment generation and skill development; ensure equitable distribution of tourism revenue; and address the specific needs of Kandi and forest-area populations
Terming the demand as both justified and urgent, the forum concluded that Tangmarg remains a high-potential yet under-served region, and that granting it Boder district status is a long-overdue step toward inclusive, balanced, and sustainable development.wani said JKCSF will call a meeting of prominent citizens , socio polotical activists intelectuals and political workers of all thoughs in the second week of april to discuss on this important issue besides other issues pertaing to our area .
Wani said it is need of the hour to join heads and hands for broder prosperity of Tangmarg area with commientment and consistancy .
