Sarhad to aid 100 children from J&K
According to officials, after the recent terror attack in the Pahalgam area, the tourism industry of the region is badly affected.
Sanjay Nahar, founder of Sarhad — an organisation working for the rehabilitation and welfare of Kashmiri students for over two decades — said, 'We have initiated the identification process of the children. Under this, we will adopt 50 girls and 50 boys and will provide them free education so that any such activity in the valley will not halt their education.''
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India.com
19-07-2025
- India.com
This Hidden Kashmir Gem Feels Like Switzerland? Find Why Budget Travelers Are Rushing To Yusmarg
Nestled in scenic surroundings and serene landscapes of Jammu & Kashmir, Yusmarg is a hidden treasure that provides a picturesque escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It remains an oasis of calmness compared to popular places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam which makes it suitable for budget travelers who want a secluded place for their vacation. Here is how you can live well in Yusmarg without spending much. There Reaching Yusmarg is itself an adventure. Srinagar airport is the nearest one located about 47 kilometers away. From here, you can take a shared taxi or local bus to Charar-i-Sharief, which has a famous shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani. In Charar-i-Sharief taxis as well as shared cabs are available to take you into Yusmarg Opting for shared transportation significantly reduces costs and also provides an opportunity to interact with locals and fellow travelers. Accommodation Yusmarg has various pocket-friendly accommodation options ensuring comfort without overspending. The best option would be JKTDC (Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation) huts/guest houses because they are able to offer basic amenities at reasonable prices. For more intimate experiences, homestays might also be considered; these not only provide cozy environments but also give insights into local ways of life Booking earlier helps negotiate better rates especially during off-seasons. Dining One way of controlling your finances while traveling would be by trying out some local foods. Though there aren't many restaurants in Yusmarg, few local eateries or dhabas have delicious food that is quite affordable from the region. You cannot afford not having at least tasted Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo among other traditional dishes all prepared in Kashmiri style; also you cannot fail to get a chance of taking the very famous Kahwa tea. On the other hand, it's important for those on budget to have some snacks and ready-to-eat meals carried from Srinagar. the Natural Beauty Yusmarg has beautiful meadows, dense forests and pure rivers that can be visited without spending too much. Here are some must-see places: Doodh Ganga River: A small hike away from Yusmarg takes you to Doodh Ganga River that is famous for its milky white water with a scenic background where you can spend an entire day picnicking by the riverside as you enjoy great views. Nilnag Lake: Nilnag Lake, nestled amidst verdant pine forests, is only a four-kilometer trek away. The trek itself is easy and provides stunning views making it ideal for budget travelers who want to make it a single-day excursion. Sang-e-Safed Valley: Also known as White Rocks Valley, this picturesque place can be reached through a moderate walk from Yusmarg. The white rocks dotted valley has panoramic views of surrounding peaks. on a Budget Although there might not exist similar facilities like those found in other tourist spots regarding adventure sports in Yusmarg, there are numerous affordable activities that will give you more than your money's worth. Trekking: The many trails around Yusmarg cater for both beginners and experts at hiking. Trekking requires little equipment and is therefore a cheap way of enjoying nature's beauty in the area. Horse Riding: Yusmarg sees a lot of horse riding, and it's an activity that does not need to cost much. Local horsemen offer guided rides through the meadows and forests for a different perspective of the scenery. Photography: In Yusmarg photographers are spoilt for choice. Without any additional expenses, you can take pictures of the lush meadows, snow-capped peaks and calm waters. with the Local Culture To truly experience the essence of Yusmarg, take the time to engage with the local community. Visit nearby villages, meet their people and learn about their customs and traditions in cultural exchange that is enriching as well as free. Tips for Budget Travelers Visit During Off-Peak Season: Traveling when it is off season will enable you to avoid crowds and get cheaper deals in accommodation and transport. Travel in Groups: Traveling with friends or joining groups whenever possible can also save you money on accommodation and transportation. Carry Essentials: Bring along essentials like a first aid kit, snacks and toiletries so that you don't spend extra cash unnecessarily. Conclusion Yusmarg provides an ideal getaway from city life's hustle bustle because it remains untouched by pollution. If you plan properly and embrace local culture, then there is no reason why you won't enjoy life in Yusmarg on a budget. So pack your bags, go on this adventure; find these hidden treasures within this peaceful destination without spending too much.
Mint
17-07-2025
- Mint
Meet the Dutch woman who has been cleaning up Srinagar's Dal Lake
Gift this article On a still May morning, as the mist rises gently from the waters of Dal Lake, a lone shikara glides across its soft surface. But unlike most tourists drawn by lake's houseboats and picturesque setting, a lone Dutch woman steering a wooden boat is not here for leisure. Armed with a trash bag, the 69-year-old Ellis Hubertina Spaanderman wants to clean up Kashmir's Dal Lake—one plastic bottle at a time. On a still May morning, as the mist rises gently from the waters of Dal Lake, a lone shikara glides across its soft surface. But unlike most tourists drawn by lake's houseboats and picturesque setting, a lone Dutch woman steering a wooden boat is not here for leisure. Armed with a trash bag, the 69-year-old Ellis Hubertina Spaanderman wants to clean up Kashmir's Dal Lake—one plastic bottle at a time. 'I fell in love with this place twenty years ago," Ellis says after collecting some trash including chips wrappers and plastic cold drink bottles thrown into the lake. 'The situation was difficult then—strikes, curfews, soldiers everywhere. But I saw the mountains, lakes, and amazing nature here. And I met Kashmiri people whose hospitality impressed me and their warmth is like nowhere else," she says. Also Read | How tourism is impacting picturesque Gurez Originally from the Netherlands, a country famously reclaimed from the sea, Ellis knows what it means to respect nature. 'Without Dutch, I would not exist," she says with a smile. 'My country is man-made. But Kashmir, this is divine nature," she adds. 'And yet, everywhere I look, there is a lot of plastic waste." Starting with the streams of Dachigam, Ellis began picking up waste. It was not long before her mission expanded to Dal Lake itself. 'My daughter last year gifted me a shikara on my birthday," she says, adding that now whenever she is on water, she collects waste on her boat. 'It may seem small, but I believe every ripple matters." It is not just about picking up the trash for Ellis but about setting an example. She believes education begins at home. She never had to teach her children not to litter. 'They (children) copied me," she says. 'But I worry about what children learn in schools. They memorise books, clear exams and then forget them afterward. We need to teach them about the environment and their health." She says plastic waste finds its way into animals, then into the food chain, and finally enters our bodies. 'People wonder why they get sick, why there is cancer, even if they do not smoke. But they forget, the plastic you throw away comes back to you affecting your health," she warns. Dal Lake, a world-renowned tourist destination in Srinagar, is facing severe ecological degradation due to increased urbanisation, unchecked sewage, and invasive species. Once praised for its clear, pristine waters, Dal lake now suffers from hyper-eutrophism, excessive weed growth, and pollution. A 2022 study titled The Changing Water Quality of Lakes—a case study of Dal Lake, Kashmir Valley by Rohitashw Kumar, Sabah Parvaze, Mir Bintul Huda and Saqib Parvaze Allaie highlighted rising levels of harmful substances in the lake water, contributing to ecosystem damage. The study found that 'houseboats, sewage treatment plants, hotels, agricultural practices around the lake, floating gardens, lake encroachment, and other non-point sources have degraded the water quality as well as aesthetic properties of the lake." The study called for an urgent need for restoration, better management and conservation by both authorities and local population. Researchers emphasise the urgent need for a comprehensive restoration plan for long term lake conservation, including sewage control, rehabilitation of local dwellers, and ecological management. Ellis, who wants to do her bit to clean the lake, does not just preach but also offers solutions. She frequently urges shopkeepers around the lake to ditch plastic and polythene bags for reusable alternatives, some even made locally by recycling companies. 'If everyone refuses plastic, disposes of waste properly, it makes a huge difference," she insists. While she does not deny the government has a role to play, she believes change must begin at the individual level. 'Government built beautiful shopping centres with Smart City funds, but forgot bins," she points out. 'I spoke with Lakes Conservative Management Authority (LCMA) officials. They are supportive, but everyone needs to do their bit." Despite her efforts, challenges persist. Bins she helped place around Dal Lake sometimes mysteriously disappear. 'It only shows the need for steady, permanent bins," she says. Not everyone has welcomed her activism. 'Some say, 'What difference can you make? It will take a thousand years to clean Dal'. But Ellis is no stranger to hardship. Having battled depression and personal loss in her native Netherlands, she knows the power of resilience. 'When you have fallen so deep, there is only one way to get back up. Age does not matter, it is just a number," she says with a smile. Her message to people in Kashmir is both blunt and hopeful: 'Stop pointing fingers towards each other. Be the change you want to see," she says. Social media has amplified her voice, bringing volunteers to her cause. She organises cleanup drives along streams like Dagwan, a freshwater stream flowing through Dachigam National Park where swimmers at times leave behind rubbish. 'Nature is where I want to focus," she says. 'Government cannot clean everything. We also must help." In countries like Switzerland, Austria, Norway, she says the water bodies are clean. 'You throw trash and you are fined there," she says. 'Here, unfortunately some people do not even think before throwing trash into water bodies and streams." When Ellis hikes in the valley mountains, she likes to dip her feet into streams. But she often finds trash underneath streams. 'It brings tears to my eyes," she says. Despite setbacks—missing bins, skeptics, loneliness—she did not give up. She remains undeterred in her mission. The locals who have seen her singular attempts to clean up the lake are inspired to do more on their part. President of Jammu and Kashmir Shikara Owners Association, Wali Mohammad, says that cleaning Dal Lake and other such lakes is the duty of every individual. 'If a lone foreigner has taken this initiative, it is commendable and we welcome and support her," he says adding that being a non-native, she is doing a wonderful job while some locals carelessly continue to throw and dump trash and plastic into Dal and other water bodies.. As head of J&K Shikara Association, Mohammad said he wholeheartedly welcomes her initiative and is inspired by her efforts. 'The youth of valley must come forward to help her clean the Dal Lake and other water streams and play their part in preserving the region's lakes," says Mohammad. The head of the shikara association has also instructed every shikarawala (boatman) to keep their own dustbins and strictly avoid throwing garbage into the Dal Lake. 'Any waste should be stored in their respective boats and later disposed of according to guidelines set by authorities," he emphasises. Meanwhile, Oris Yusuf, owner of houseboat 'Malaya" near Ghat 10 on the shores of the lake, says it's rare to find a tourist, especially from another continent, visiting the valley and then staying back to start a cleaning drive in Dal lake. 'It is inspiring and admirable. When a foreigner can undertake a cleaning drive in Dal and adjacent areas, why can't we? This lake is our asset and heritage," says Yusuf. Initiatives like hers, he adds, could serve as a source of inspiration for youth to take care of our precious water bodies. 'Although many domestic and international tourists visit Kashmir to enjoy its scenic beauty, she probably is the first elderly foreign tourist who has taken this kind of initiative here," says Yusuf who often notices the old lady rowing her boat inside the lake and personally collecting garbage and plastic waste from the lake. Born just after World War II to a father scarred by war, Ellis connects with and understands the region's generational trauma. 'Young people here carry memories of conflict, even if they did not live it," she says. 'I can understand their pain and empathise with them." For all her global travels, Ellis says her heart belongs to Kashmir. 'I feel so blessed to live here," she says. 'This feels like my home." 'Kashmir is paradise," she insists. 'Someone has truly said, 'If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.' But you have made a mess of your paradise," she adds after a pause. 'Now, let us clean it up as I cannot do it all alone." Yaqoob Ali is an kashmir based independent journalist reporting on culture, conflict, environment, social Justice, and economy. Majid Maqbool is a Kashmir based independent journalist and writer Topics You May Be Interested In
India Today
15-07-2025
- India Today
How Kashmir is putting Pahalgam attack behind, bringing tourists back
After some years of highs, the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack brought doom on Kashmir's booming tourism industry and left no hopes for a revival this season. Mass cancellation of hotel and houseboat bookings, running into crores of rupees, and a sweeping wave of fear turned the Valley's picturesque landscapes into no-go areas for visitors. The double-whammy came with the India-Pakistan conflict, which left a trail of loss and destruction in the border region and further shook up the struggling tourism roving against the tide, Jammu and Kashmir is clutching to an impressive turnaround of tourism. From a miniscule number of 200-400 visitors each day in mid-June, after key tourist destinations Pahalgam, Kokernag, Achabal and Verinag were reopened, the tourist numbers are now soaring to 5,000 and beyond per day across the Valley's minister Omar Abdullah had clocked a 21-km-long marathon run last October, just after taking charge of the Union territory. That was a subtle reflection of his determination to take on new challenges. Now, months later, he has taken upon himself a marathon of new initiatives, meetings and tours to pull the region's tourism industry out of the slump.'The revival is visible. Bookings are trickling in. Currently there is an occupancy of 20-30 per cent across hotels and other stays,' Mohammad Ibrahim Siah, president of the Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK) told INDIA TODAY. The central government is also lending a major stimulus. Three Union ministers have visited Kashmir since June after Abdullah pitched for a central delegation visit to instill confidence among visitors. Union minister of tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat's visit to J&K on June 18-19, during which he visited Pahalgam and was hosted by Abdullah, set the stage for the July 7-8 pan-India tourism secretaries' meeting in Kashmir—a first of its kind for the region.'Tourism came to a standstill but it looks like life has emerged back. The efforts of the J&K government and central government initiatives, such as sending delegations and ministers and organising conferences by different ministries as part of the confidence-building exercise, will fructify in the coming days. Kashmir's tourism will be back in full swing,' Shekhawat said on the sidelines of the high-level meeting in Srinagar on July meeting, which drew together tourism secretaries from the states and Union territories along with secretaries in the Union ministry, delved on the key national policies and ideas for destination development and infrastructure initiatives alongside the tourism-related budget announcements for 2025-26 and a framework for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of developing 50-iconic global standard destinations across India, including J& during his two-day visit to Kashmir on July 3-4, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan went shopping for Kashmiri shawls at Lal Chowk in Srinagar along with his wife, sipping tea under the iconic Clock Tower alongside parliamentary committee members. A day before, Union minister of panchayati raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh visited Kashmir. On July 6, Tarun Kapoor, advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, came to Srinagar and met traders and locals at Lal Chowk to seek views on the region's major outreach from the Union government has coincided with the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, which has so far seen over 200,000 pilgrims visit the holy cave in Kashmir. The region's tourism is hinged on its success. With over 400,000 registrations, the pilgrimage has left enough greenshoots for tourism. Major security arrangements, including the highest-ever troop deployment with 600 additional companies of Central Armed Police Force, have insulated the yatra against terror threats and attracted pilgrims back. In 2024, an all-time high of 512,000 pilgrims had done the contributes about 7 per cent to J&K's GDP and serves as a key economic driver, employing over two million people. Visitor arrivals have been soaring in recent years, with a record 3.5 million tourists coming over in 2024. For J&K's economy, otherwise driven by agriculture and horticulture, tourism is emerging as a vital livelihood and employment generation region is struggling with high unemployment. Abdullah has vowed to make tourism a 'conflict neutral' activity and, despite all the odds, is diverting a significant amount of energy and time to get it back on track. Starting from his cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, followed by the one of secretaries in Gulmarg on May 27-28, he has turned tourism has met over 200 tourism stakeholders and travel agents across India and pitched for a nationwide 'Chalo Kashmir' campaign. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, which houses a majority of government's tourism infrastructure, has been tipped to revamp its infrastructure inventory to high standards and availability to online travel aggregators for ease of also reached out to West Bengal and addressed a Tourism and Trade Fair (TTF) session in Kolkata on July 10. Attended by 175 travel agents of the eastern state. 'We are here with a story of optimism, with a message of hope and revival. We are here with an invitation to ask you to not just believe in J&K but come and see the post-Pahalgam scenario. Tourism has begun to flow back both to Jammu as well as Kashmir,'' Abdullah said in his idea behind this Bengal outreach was to tap visitors ahead of the Durga Puja holidays. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee urged her state's people to visit J&K and also accepted Abdullah's invitation to pay a long-pending visit.'Only a head of the family can get his house together and address all its problems. That is what CM Omar Abdullah has done and continues to do. We are thankful for the hospitality and reception extended by J&K. It is time is to forget the past and move on,' Anjani Kumar Dhanuka, chairman of TAAI for the eastern region, told INDIA forward, TASK president Siah said the upcoming travel and trade fair in Ahmedabad will be fruitful in wooing Gujarati travellers, who have kept a constant tryst with the Valley over the years. 'Like in Kolkata, we'll request Omar Abdullah to grace the show there as well,' he to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
