Reopening of Doodhpathri Brings Relief to Locals and Tourists Alike
Srinagar- The picturesque tourist spot of Doodhpathri in central Kashmir’s Budgam district has finally reopened its doors after a closure lasting almost 10 months. This reopening has brought relief and renewed hope to numerous families who rely on tourism for their livelihood.
The announcement of the reopening was made by the Lieutenant Governor through a social media post, leading to an influx of tourists to this meadow destination.
Local residents, including tea stall owners, pony operators, guides, and small traders, have expressed their gratitude to the administration for resuming tourism activities. They welcomed the decision, stating that the prolonged closure had severely impacted their earnings, as the majority of families in the area are directly or indirectly dependent on tourism.
One local tea stall owner mentioned, “We are extremely thankful to the LG administration for reopening Doodhpathri. For the past 10 months, we had no source of income. Our livelihood depends entirely on tourists.” Pony service providers echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope for improved income with the reopening and pledging to adhere to all regulations.
A couple from Maharashtra, among the first visitors post-reopening, expressed their joy at being able to visit Doodhpathri again. They thanked the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration for reopening the destination, highlighting the peaceful atmosphere and satisfactory security measures.
Local shopkeepers also welcomed the decision, anticipating a revival of economic activity in Doodhpathri. They emphasized the importance of following guidelines to ensure safety and discipline.
With Doodhpathri back in business, residents are hopeful for an increase in tourist footfall, which will aid in the recovery of the area’s tourism sector.
Tourism Resumes at Wular Lake, Boosting Economic Prospects for Locals
Wular Lake in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has reopened its gates to tourists after almost ten months, providing relief to locals and raising hopes of economic revival for families dependent on tourism-related activities.
The reopening follows an announcement by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding the phased reopening of 14 tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir. The closure of these sites post the Pahalgam attack last year had negatively impacted tourist inflow and local businesses.
Residents around Wular Lake expressed relief, as the move is expected to benefit hundreds of families engaged in shikara rides, eateries, handicrafts, and guiding services.
Shikara operator Fayaz Ahmad mentioned, “For months, there was no work and no income. We survived on savings and loans. Now we are hopeful that tourists will return.” Similarly, tea stall owner Manzoor Ahmad highlighted the positive impact of the reopening on their livelihood.
Boatman Ghulam Nabi emphasized the direct correlation between tourist numbers and the local economy, expressing hope for a summer influx to compensate for previous losses. Handicrafts seller Shabir Hussain stressed the importance of tourism as the primary source of livelihood for artisans.
Visitors like Rukhsana Bano praised the beauty of Wular Lake and called for its accessibility with proper security and amenities. Residents urged authorities to enhance infrastructure, road connectivity, sanitation, and visitor facilities to maximize the tourism potential of the lake.
Local hotel owners emphasized the need for steady footfall to restore economic stability in the region, underscoring the importance of consistent policies to prevent prolonged closures in the future.
