Srinagar, June 15: Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), Qayoom Wani, on Monday urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to develop Drung and other areas of Tangmarg, including Gogaldara, Ringawali, Baderkot, Checki Fresti Reshi, and the “picturesque” areas around Qazipora, as tourist destinations.
“Tourism is not merely a source of recreation; it is the backbone of livelihood for thousands of families in the Tangmarg area. The authorities concerned must wake up to the ground realities and immediately upgrade the road infrastructure and other basic facilities at Drung to match its tourism potential,” Wani said.
He said that Drung, one of Kashmir’s most breathtaking and rapidly emerging tourist destinations, attracts thousands of visitors every day. Despite its growing popularity and immense contribution to the local economy, the road leading to the destination remains in a deplorable condition, causing inconvenience to tourists and hardship to local residents whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
Wani further said that the government must look beyond Gulmarg alone. While Gulmarg has already earned international recognition, several scenic and unexplored destinations in the Tangmarg region—such as Gogaldara, Ringawali, Baderkot, Checki Fresti Reshi, and the picturesque areas around Qazipora—remain neglected despite their immense tourism potential.
“A balanced and visionary tourism policy is the need of the hour. Developing these destinations will not only reduce excessive pressure on Gulmarg but will also create new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth for the people of Tangmarg, Kunzer, and adjoining areas,” he said.
“The benefits of tourism should reach every corner of the region. It is time to invest in and promote the hidden treasures of Tangmarg so that local communities can equally share in the prosperity that tourism brings,” Wani added.
