Pahalgam, Jun 15: Nearly two months after a deadly attack in the Baisaran meadows killed 25 tourists and a local pony operator, the Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to reopen several parks and sightseeing spots in Pahalgam has revived hopes for the destination’s struggling tourism sector. Nestled in the picturesque Lidder valley in south Kashmir, Pahalgam was teeming with visitors until the April 22 attack brought the flow of tourists to a halt.
In the aftermath, authorities shut down 40 tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, including major attractions in Pahalgam.
During a visit to Pahalgam on Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the reopening of 16 tourist destinations – eight each in Jammu and Kashmir. Among them are the parks in main Pahalgam – Club park; Poshwan park; Lavender park; Lidder view park and others besides the famed Betab valley, which are expected to reopen in the coming days. Local stakeholders say the move offers a much-needed boost.
“For the first time since the attack, we’re seeing bookings again,” said Ibrahim Raina, owner of Brown Palace Hotel. “Most visitors are locals, but a few tourists from outside have also arrived.” Raina said his hotel had bookings lined up through August, but they were all cancelled following the attack and new reservations had stopped entirely. Pahalgam and its surrounding areas are home to more than 800 hotels; guesthouses and huts, supporting the livelihoods of over 7,000 people. Many hoteliers were forced to downsize or lay off staff due to the downturn. Pony operators, who rely heavily on tourist traffic, are hoping they will be allowed to resume operations. “I used to earn Rs 1,500 a day, but we haven’t earned anything since the attack,” said Bilal Magray, a pony operator. “We hope to resume work soon. Our peak season is gone, but maybe local visitors will make up for some of the losses.”
Another pony operator, Muhammad Ismail, expressed hope that the upcoming Amarnath Yatra – scheduled to begin July 3 – will bring more pilgrims through the Pahalgam route. Locals are also calling for the revival of adventure tourism, which remains suspended.
“We ran a zipline in Baisaran that offered 50 to 60 rides daily, earning about Rs 15,000 a day and supporting 10 people,” said Zahid, an adventure operator. “We hope we’re allowed to resume, even if not in Baisaran, then elsewhere.”
Other activities such as zorbing, rock climbing and rafting have also been halted, affecting many livelihoods. Ishan, 22, a local IT graduate, urged the administration to permit eco-friendly camping, which is popular with both locals and visitors.
At the Pahalgam taxi stand, drivers are hoping for better days ahead. “Before the attack, I earned Rs 2,000 a day, ferrying tourists to Aru, Chandanwari and Betab valley,” said Nisar Ahmad, 45, a cab driver. “Now the stand is deserted. We hope all spots reopen soon.”
Tourist guides also expressed optimism that trekking routes would be reopened. “We’re hoping we can take visitors to the trekking spots again,” said Umar, 30, a local guide. Mushtaq Ahmad Pahalgami, a local activist, welcomed the government’s decision but urged additional support for those impacted.
“The government should announce a special relief package for pony operators, taxi drivers and other daily wage workers affected by the shutdown,” he said. “A peaceful and successful Amarnath Yatra will benefit the entire tourism industry. The pilgrims will become ambassadors for Kashmir’s hospitality.” Meanwhile, some tourists from outside the valley have begun returning. “We have visited Pahalgam for the past four years and always had a great experience,” said Vinod, 40, who arrived with his family and friends from New Delhi. “We feel safe and especially welcomed this year – we are being pampered.”
