Kulgam, Jun 12 (KNO): The prolonged closure of Aharbal tourist destination in south Kashmir's Kulgam district has severely impacted the livelihoods of local tourism stakeholders, prompting renewed calls for its reopening.
As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), while tourism operators and traders report mounting financial distress, Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to reopen the destination, while authorities have strengthened security with the installation of a 360-degree surveillance camera.
Known as the 'Niagara of Kashmir,' Aharbal is a major tourist attraction and a key source of income for hundreds of local families.
The destination has remained shut following security concerns, even as tourism activities resumed in many other parts of the Valley.
Stakeholders associated with the famous Aharbal tourist destination are continuing to press for the reopening of the famous tourist destination, saying the prolonged closure has left many families struggling to make ends meet.
Aharbal has remained closed to visitors even as tourism activities have resumed in several other parts of the Valley following the Pahalgam terror attack last year.
Local tourism operators, transporters, shopkeepers, and tea stall owners said the shutdown has resulted in a sharp decline in earnings during the peak tourist season.
“We sit with our cabs every day, but there are no tourists to take around. The season is slipping away, and with it our only chance to earn enough for the year,” said a local driver.
A shopkeeper from the area said the closure has pushed many families into financial distress.
“Our business depended largely on visitors coming to Aharbal. Now, the shutters remain down most of the time. We are not asking for charity, we only want the destination to reopen so that we can earn our livelihood again,” he said.
They said the issue is no longer confined to tourism promotion alone but has become a matter of survival for many households whose income is directly linked to tourist footfall.
Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo has written to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, urging him to consider reopening Aharbal Waterfall at the earliest.
In her communication, a copy of which lies with KNO, Itoo writes, "I would like to draw your kind attention towards Aharbal Waterfall, situated in the south-western part of the Kashmir Valley in Sub-District Damhal Hanjipora, District Kulgam. The destination is widely known as the 'Niagara Waterfall of Kashmir' owing to its breathtaking natural beauty and immense tourism potential.
It is submitted that the tourist destination remained closed during the last year due to prevailing circumstances. However, the law-and-order situation in the area has considerably improved and remains peaceful at present. Consequently, a large number of tourists and visitors are desirous of visiting Aharbal during the ongoing tourist season. In view of the improved situation and considering the importance of tourism for the local economy and livelihood of the people associated with the tourism sector, I request your goodself to kindly consider reopening the Aharbal tourist destination for visitors at an early date. The reopening of the destination will greatly benefit local residents, tourism stakeholders, and tourists alike."
Authorities have stepped up surveillance measures at the Aharbal.
A PTZ 360-degree CCTV camera has been installed at Aharbal.
Chief Executive Officer Aharbal, Muhammad Rouf Rehman said that Aharbal is a sensitive area and continues to remain closed following the Pahalgam terror attack, due to which local residents are facing financial and economic hardships.
He said a high-resolution 360-degree camera has been installed to strengthen security and surveillance at the Aharbal.
“The camera will rotate on all axes of Aharbal and capture live footage,” Rouf said. He said that the system will help deter elements attempting to disturb peace and ensure better monitoring of the area.
He said the Tourism Development Authority, Aharbal, is fully prepared and ready to receive tourists once the destination is declared open—(KNO)