The last month’s terrorist attack at Pahalgam in the Kashmir Valley has severely impacted the region’s economy, leading to job losses.
The tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gulmarg in Kashmir currently present a scene of despair among local people associated with tourism. In Pahalgam, more than 5,000 horse breeders, 7,700 vehicle owners, and thousands of other families are staring a bleak future due to massive fall in tourist inflow.
Dal Lake, a popular destination for tourists, too has seen a significant decrease in activity. Shikaras are lying on the banks, and the movement of tourists has been reduced to a trickle.
People associated with the local tourism sector said the situation has been continuously deteriorating since the Pahalgam attack.
A shikara operator said, “The current season has been very bleak. Before the attack, we had bookings; hotels were full; shikaras were running continuously, but now everything has stopped.”
Hotel owners say tourists have cancelled their bookings after the attack. “Our hotels are empty, staff are laid off, and no new bookings are being made,” said a hotel owner.
“Thousands of families dependent on tourism are currently facing a severe financial crisis. The livelihoods of local shopkeepers, artisans, guides, photographers and transport providers are at risk,” said another hotel owner.
According to local unions, hundreds of hotel employees could lose their jobs if the situation does not improve.
Meanwhile, the situation in Pahalgam is even worse; the markets are deserted.
A shikara driver from Dal Lake said, “This is the first time that such desolation has been seen on the lake in the month of May. Earlier, we had no time to even talk; now the shikaras are tied to the shore all day long.”
Local residents and tourism-related organisations have appealed to the government to take immediate confidence-building measures and formulate a policy to enable the return of tourists to the Valley.
