Sonamarg, Jul 07 (KNO): Local trekkers from Sonamarg area here have urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to reopen the Great Lakes trekking routes, including Gadsar, Krishansar, Vishansar, Satsar and Gangbal.
The trekkers say that the continued suspension of access to these popular spots has severely affected their livelihoods, especially as many of them have bank loans to repay.
“We have EMIs to pay and this is our peak season. If the government doesn't allow us to resume operations, many of us will default on our bank installments,” one of the local trekking guides told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The call for reopening comes in the wake of restrictions imposed after a recent incident in Pahalgam region, which led to temporary suspension of movement across several trekking routes. While some places have recently been reopened, many critical Great Lakes destinations remain out of bounds.
The trekkers have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and the Chief Minister to personally intervene and resolve the matter. “We urge the administration to understand our situation and open the trekking routes as soon as possible,” they said.
The Great Lakes trek is one of Kashmir’s most scenic and economically significant trails, attracting hundreds of tourists and adventure enthusiasts every season—(KNO)