Latest news with #AmarnathYatra
Mint
9 hours ago
- Mint
The Pahalgam attack crushed Kashmir's fledgling offbeat tourism. The Amarnath Yatra could be a new start.
SRINAGAR : In March 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir |(J&K) government launched an ambitious initiative to spotlight 75 offbeat destinations—37 in Jammu and the rest in the Kashmir Valley. But April brought a brutal end to the fragile optimism that had begun to take root in these lesser-known tourist attractions. Baisaran Valley, known as 'mini Switzerland' for its picturesque meadow, is now remembered for the haunting image of a numb young bride sitting beside her husband's lifeless body. The first-ever terror attack on tourists in 'Paradise on Earth' claimed 26 lives, and with them, the hard-earned trust. Six days after the 22 April attack, the Union territory's administration ordered the closure of 48 out of 87 tourist destinations across the Valley. Nearly all offbeat spots, such as Gurez Valley, Lolab Valley, Bangus Valley, Tulail Valley, Keran, and Doodhpathri, were declared off limits, leaving once-lively trails and meadows in deafening stillness. 'Coming in April, just as the peak summer season was about to begin, and directly targeting tourists, the attack dealt a heavy blow to the industry at its most crucial moment," Javed Bashir, a 33-year-old tour operator from the Baramulla district, 53 kilometres from Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) summer capital Srinagar, told Mint. While some tourists can be spotted at popular tourist destinations, the far-flung places remain completely deserted, said Bashir, who has been in the business since 2018. Encouraged by the newfound normalcy in the Valley following the abrogation of Article 370, tourists turned up in droves, with J&K recording 23.6 million tourist visits in 2024—the highest ever, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25. To accommodate this growing influx, the administration gradually started promoting offbeat destinations. Hidden valleys, quiet villages, and virgin alpine meadows began welcoming visitors, marking an unexpected turning point for tourism in the Valley. There was a tourist boom, and with it came hope. "Many hotels, guest houses, and other properties were under construction. People invested heavily, believing the momentum would continue. But now, it seems all is lost," said Mushtaq Chaya, chairman of the J&K Hoteliers Club. Thousands of families who depend on tourism for their livelihood are suffering. 'Many are now on the brink of bankruptcy unless tourist confidence is restored soon," a senior tourism official told Mint on the condition of anonymity. The official added that repeated communications with higher authorities have proven futile, as not a single site has been reopened yet. Struggling to make ends meet, two million people—from hotel and homestay owners to their staff, tour guides, transport operators, 'ponywallahs'—are now pinning their hopes on the Amarnath Yatra (3 July to 9 August), an annual Hindu pilgrimage, to revive the industry this winter season. Investments down the drain The tourism had also been flourishing along the Line of Control (LoC), a rare and hopeful sight after years of uncertainty. By the summer of 2021, just months after the February ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the streets of border villages were alive. Also Read: From Konkan's Alphonso to Andhra's Imam Pasand, why are Indian mangoes losing their sweet spot? For the first time in nearly three decades, people of these once-restricted zones were able to welcome tourists, both domestic and international, eager to explore the serene valleys that had long been off limits. The calm along the border seemed to promise a new chapter for Kashmir, a peaceful and prosperous future where the beauty of the land could finally shine through without the looming threat of conflict. For example, in 2023, the border district of Kupwara hosted 140,000 tourists. Those who invested in offbeat tourism now find themselves idle with no work. In Kupwara's Lolab Valley, about 20 hotels set up by locals through loans and leases are now facing heavy losses, said Talib Hussain, who has lost his job as a travel agency manager. 'Between April and June, we usually see a good flow of tourists who come to enjoy trekking, camping, the gushing streams, lush green forests, and the centuries-old Kalaroos caves, but not this year," the 29-year-old told Mint. Similarly, Keran, nestled amid lush green forests, walnut trees, meadows, streams, and wooden houses, once provided a serene escape for visitors, drawing many to its peaceful atmosphere. One part in Kupwara district and the other in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the village is bisected by the Kishanganga River (known as Neelum on the other side), making it a unique offbeat tourist attraction. In its Jhelum Bazar, hotelier Dilshad Ahmad Bhat remembered the joy of welcoming tourists after the 2021 ceasefire, which inspired him to take a ₹5 lakh bank loan in 2024 to renovate his hotel. But now, 'the hotel is empty, and so are the vegetable and meat shops I used to buy from for my guests. It's not just about the money, but it is also my mental health, slipping away with every silent day," Bhat told Mint. Gurez Valley in the Bandipora district is another breathtaking slice of paradise, bordered by thick forests, towering mountains, and the winding Kishanganga River. Nestled 123km from Srinagar, at an altitude of 2,400 meters, once a key stop on the ancient Silk Route, the valley's beauty is rivalled only by its isolation, with snowfall cutting off access for more than six months each year. Mohammad Ismail Lone, a homestay owner and the head of the Gurez Traders Federation, recalled with quiet pride how his modest homestay welcomed hundreds of visitors in just a single year, earning him ₹5-6 lakh, a lifeline not just for him, but also for the four employees who ran the place like family. 'After the attack, everything changed. The tourists disappeared overnight, and so did the jobs." Also Read: India's liquor stocks are on a high—what's fuelling the rally, and what could derail it 'After years of living under the shadow of cross-border shelling, we were finally beginning to breathe easy, watching tourists bring life back to Gurez Valley, but we never imagined it would all slip away so soon and we would find ourselves back where we started," he added. Today, the homestays and hotels are empty. Restaurant shutters creak half-open in the wind. Taxis purchased on credit wait silently at village junctions, their engines cold. Livelihoods interrupted For the past three years, 55-year-old Ghulam Qadri Bhatti and his wife Mughali had begun each morning in the hills of Doodhpathri, or 'Valley of Milk', 44km from Srinagar, by setting up their modest tea stall in the open meadows, gently brewing Nun Chai, the traditional pink salty tea of Kashmir made with green tea leaves, milk, and baking soda. 'Our days were spent making tea and talking to tourists. We served not just tea, but a piece of Kashmiri hospitality. But after the violence, the authorities told us to leave because of security concerns. Now, with no tourists around, we had to pack up our stall," said Bhatti, his voice trailing into a sigh. For years, the region's tea sellers earned a modest living—between ₹20,000 and ₹40,000 a month—every summer. Bhatti is one of nearly 200 such tea sellers who lost their livelihood in the aftermath of the terrorist attack. 'We are landless people. Since Doodhpathri in the Budgam district was sealed off and our stalls were shut, we have been left jobless, with nothing to do. It has become a daily struggle just to make ends meet. Our dreams of providing a better future, of sending our children to school, seem impossible now, " Bhatti said. In the adjoining Riyar Riyar Ich village in the same district, 32-year-old tourist guide Mohammad Shafi Mir has the same story to share. For the past 13 years, he has guided visitors through Doodhpathri, supporting his entire family through this job. 'When there are no tourists, there is no work and no income," he said. Since the attack, Mir has not earned a single rupee, calling it the most unprecedented situation he has faced in his career. About 10,000 people directly associated with tourism, including hoteliers, transporters, pony riders, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators, tea sellers, and tourist guides, have lost their livelihoods in Doodhpathri alone, according to Mir. 'In anticipation of the growing influx of tourists, many hoteliers and ATV operators took out loans to construct hotels and purchase ATVs. It is concerning to think how they will repay these loans, given that they are not earning anything at the moment," Mir lamented. In Budgam's Yusmarg, pony riders sit quietly next to their horses, watching the empty paths. The place, which once echoed with tourists' adventure and the sound of hooves on the ground, is now silent. Long-lasting impact Political instability has a profound impact on global tourism. 'Tourists always look for peace and security, which are fundamental prerequisites for travel. Incidents like 9/11 and the 2008 Mumbai attack have had far-reaching consequences beyond their immediate regions," said Reyaz Ahmad Qureshi, head professor at the department of tourism, hospitality and leisure studies, University of Kashmir. Also Read: Why is walking on eggshells beyond Gurugram, its home turf He added that while Kashmir has endured a prolonged period of unrest, it has been gradually transitioning into a post-conflict phase since 2021, fostering a sense of growing optimism within the tourism sector. He argued for a more nuanced approach to dealing the terrorism's impact on tourism. 'Sealing off tourist spots or banning trekking sends the wrong message. Offbeat destinations could be reopened gradually with proper regulation." 'We must project Kashmir as a safe, beautiful, and affordable destination. Campaigns like 'Aao Kashmir Chalein' should be sustained and should emphasize the warmth and sacrifices made by locals to ensure visitors feel welcome," added Qureshi, stressing that negative media coverage must be addressed with professionalism and assured security. Still many, including Bashir, remain cautiously optimistic about a revival in tourism in the Union territory. He expects the Amarnath Yatra and snow-draped landscapes during winters to lure visitors back to the Valley. 'While the summer season may have slipped away in the shadow of recent events, the story is not over yet. The season is definitely behind us, but once the Amarnath Yatra concludes in August, the spotlight will shift to winter," he said. The successful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra will now serve as a litmus test for the government's ability to restore confidence among tourists.
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Jammu: 180 paramilitary companies to guard Amarnath pilgrims
With barely five days left for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, two top officials of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday said all arrangements have been made for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the 38-day long pilgrimage to south Kashmir Himalayas. Over 180 companies of various paramilitary forces will be deployed to guard the pilgrims, police said. Security personnel prepare a post to keep vigil on the Jammu-Srinagar highway ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra in Anantnag. (PTI) Addressing mediapersons here, Jammu divisional commissioner Ramesh Kumar said lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha would flag off the first batch from Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar on July 2. 'We have made elaborate arrangements for the comfortable and secured stay of pilgrims in various government lodgement centres and community halls of various social and religious organisations,' said Kumar. He also informed that all arrangements for their boarding and lodging including food, potable water, medical facilities and electricity have been made at the lodgement centres which are 106 in number this time, capable of housing 50,000 people. 'All these centres will be guarded 24x7 by the security personnel,' he added. The 38-day-long yatra is scheduled to start on July 3 from the twin routes — the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district — leading to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath. Jammu zone IGP Bhim Sen Tuti said, 'Apart from deployment of police, 183 companies of various paramilitary forces will be deployed right from Lakhanpur in Kathua district to Banihal in Ramban district for the security of pilgrims.' For the first time, Lakhanpur-Jammu national highway (NH 44) will be sanitised by road opening parties, he added. 'This year, even better arrangements are being made in terms of the number of paramilitary forces personnel, deployment in sensitive areas or CCTV surveillance. Compared to previous editions, more vigilant and multi-layered security is being ensured,' he added. He said that from road opening parties to CCTV cameras, everything has been set up and security has also been provided at community kitchens and lodging centres. Though Lakhanpur-Jammu national highway is safe, this time around road-opening parties will be deployed, said Tuti. He informed that traffic police will issue a daily advisory. He said all pilgrims were advised to join the main convoy which departs between 4 am and 4.30 am. The BSF has also been put on a high alert along the 200-km long Pakistan border. The registrations for this year's Amarnath Yatra have dropped by 10.19% compared to last year, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha had said on Thursday. Sinha had also said that nearly 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered for the yatra before the attack at Baisaran in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, most of them tourists.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Road opening parties, CCTV surveillance – what this year's security for Amarnath Yatra looks like
Road opening parties, CCTV surveillance on the route, and increased strength of paramilitary forces – these are the security details of this year's Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir. The first batch of pilgrims to the shrine, located at a height of 3,880 metres in the South Kashmir Himalayas — will leave the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on the morning of July 2. There is heavy security in Jammu ahead of the yatra – apart from the Jammu and Kashmir police, 180 units of paramilitary forces have been deployed, Jammu zone Inspector General of Police Bhim Sen Tuti told the media. The yatra comes two months after the terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The new security detail this year includes road opening parties, the IGP, who along with the divisional commissioner of Jammu Ramesh Kumar, chaired a high-level meeting to review security arrangements, said. These have been deployed all along the national highway right from Lakhanpur to Banihal. The route is under CCTV surveillance, the official said. 'Even better arrangements are being made this year, whether in terms of the number of paramilitary forces and their deployment in sensitive areas, or the CCTV surveillance,' he said. 'From road opening parties to the installation of CCTV cameras, everything has been set up. The security has also been provided at langars, lodging centres.' From July 2, the traffic police will issue a daily advisory regarding the movement of yatra convoy, he said, adding that cut off timings will be fixed for its crossing at all points. 'Pilgrims intending to participate in the yatra must follow the advisory to avoid any problem or inconvenience,' he said.
India Gazette
a day ago
- India Gazette
Operation Bihali: Search for three terrorists intensifies as one neutralised
Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 27 (ANI): Search for three terrorists has been intensified on Friday, in the ongoing operation in the Bihali area of Basantgarh, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, in which a terrorist was killed, according to officials. 'Encounter is going on. One terrorist has been neutralised. Search operation to track the other three terrorists is going on,' said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti. While speaking to ANI, on the Basantgarh encounter, IGP Jammu said, 'The encounter is underway. Out of the four terrorists, one terrorist has been neutralised, and a search is underway for the remaining three.' The White Knight Corps posted on X, 'Op BIHALI Update: In the ongoing joint operation by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice. In #Basantgarh, one #terrorist has been neutralised till now. #Operation continues.' According to officials, the joint operation, code-named Operation Bihali, was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Security forces conducted a joint mock drill at the Baltal base camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal in preparation for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to start on July 3. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ganderbal. The exercise saw coordinated participation from multiple agencies, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 49 Battalion CRPF, the Indian Army, Health Department, and Fire and Emergency Services. (ANI)
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
First-time pilgrim's guide to Amarnath Yatra 2025: All you need to know
Every year, thousands of pilgrims from every corner of the nation travel to the holy cave of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir. The cave is located at over 12,700 feet above sea level and contains a naturally formed ice Shivling said to represent Lord Shiva. The Amarnath Yatra is more than a trek. It is a religious journey that tests your faith, your health, and your year, the Yatra will take place from 3 July to 9 August 2025, as per the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) announcement. Here is everything you need to know if you are looking to registration, proper documentation, and careful planning are crucial for a successful and safe pilgrimage.1. AMARNATH YATRA 2025 DATES AND WHO CAN GOYatra Dates: July 3 to August 9, 2025, as announced by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB)Pilgrim Limit: Around 15,000 pilgrims are allowed each dayAge Limit: Only those aged 13 to 70 years can participateHealth Restrictions: The yatra is not permitted for people with heart, lung, or other serious health problems2. REGISTRATION FEES AND STEP-BY-STEP PROCESSRegistration is mandatory for all pilgrims. You can register online or offline:2. ONLINE REGISTRATIONWhen: Will start on April 15, 2025Where: SASB's official website: 220 per individual for individuals on registrationadvertisementSteps:1. Visit the SASB website and click on "Yatra Permit Registration"2. Fill your details (name, age, address, contact information).3. Upload a passport-sized photograph and a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) from a recognised hospital.4. Select the route and date you want for your yatra.5. Verify your mobile number with an OTP.6. Pay the registration fees online and download the Yatra Permit; print it.3. OFFLINE REGISTRATIONWhere: Bank branches (PNB, J&K Bank, ICICI, YES Bank) and centres (Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, Mahajan Hall)Steps:1. Obtain a token slip 3 days prior to the date of your yatra2. Medical examination at the selected centre3. Biometric and Aadhaar identification and collecting RFID card4. Submitting the necessary documents and fees to collect your permitDOCUMENTS REQUIRED:Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC)Yatra Permit (on your selected route)RFID Card (after biometric identification)Your Aadhaar Card or Passport (for Non-Resident Indians)6 passport-sized photographsValid mobile phone numberProof you will travel on the same dates as the yatra3. MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY & HEALTH CERTIFICATE Medical certificate: Every pilgrim must obtain a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) signed by an authorised doctor or hospital, as designated by SASBWho is not eligible: Anyone having heart disease, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health conditions is not eligibleAge: must be between 13 and 70 years oldWhy: The trek is a strenuous endeavour at steep and high altitudes. The medical checks are for your PERMITS, ROUTES, AND JOURNEY DETAILSPermits:Issued after successful registration and medical clearanceMust be carried at all times during the yatraMain routes:Baltal route: Shorter (about 16 km), steeper, and more challenging; preferred by those seeking a quicker trekPahalgam route: Longer (about 48 km), more gradual ascent, scenic, and preferred by older or less experienced trekkersJourney steps:Arrive at your chosen base camp (Baltal or Pahalgam).Collect your permit and RFID the trek, stopping at halting points like Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and the holy cave, offer prayers, and return to the base camp.5. COMMON ERRORS TO AVOIDadvertisementSkipping medical examinations: Do not forget about the health certificate as it is required; it's enforced for your registration: If you register late, you may not get your preferred date; there are only so many bringing documents: Ensure you pack all documents you need to bring along – your CHC, permit, identity card, and photos, - otherwise may be turned paying attention to fitness: This trek is considered strenuous and underestimating its difficulty can be dangerous. Ensure you are fit and physically prepared, and do not do the yatra if someone has health following guidelines: Make sure you read everything and follow every part of the SASB instructions, including dos and don'ts, to avoid being disqualified or Yatra to Amarnath involves a physically demanding trek through steep, rocky terrain, and should not even be considered by anyone with health or serious medical Amarnath Yatra is a holy journey that challenges the spirit as well as endurance. Such a journey will take time. It is important to register early, be well-prepared and plan well. You can take the Pahalgam route that offers views, or take the shortcut from Baltal, be respectful of the mountains and other pilgrims by following the guidelines and remaining safe. The journey can be meaningful with proper care.- Ends
