August 1st, Keran: Keran, a picturesque border region in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, blessed with the serenity of the Kishenganga (Neelum) river forming the Line of Control between Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Jammu and Kashmir, is set to emerge as a sought-after destination in an effort to revive Kashmir’s leading tourist hotspots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
According to the Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Correspondent, the hooting and waving exchanges between tourists from both countries on the banks of the river that serves as the LoC between PoK and J&K are a major draw for travellers to the border town of Keran.On both sides, you can also witness tourists from both countries chanting patriotic chants in favour of their own country.
Visitors to the valley were captivated by the enchanting music and lyrics of Bollywood legend Javed Akhtar. The lines, “Panchhi nadiyan pawan ke jhoken, Koi sarhad naa inhe roke,” are from a popular Indian poem. Their words, “Sarhaden insaano keliye hain, Socho, tumne aur maine, Kya paaya insaan hoke,” reverberated around the room.
Locals have learned from the experiences of other tourist destinations, such as Pahalgam and Gulmarg, and are now prepared for the influx of visitors from across the Union Territory and the rest of the country by having their decorated horses ready to welcome tourists so that they can ride them to the beautiful sub areas of this border tourist destination.
Visitors from all across the Union Territory and the rest of the country continue to flock to popular tourist spots like Pahalgam and Gulmarg, inspiring creative endeavours from the locals. They’re getting their decked-out steeds ready to provide rides to visitors as they take in the sights of this enticing border town, which is home to natural wonders including streams, springs, a river, mountains, deep woods, and walnut trees.
An awestruck tourist from Srinagar, Sameer Ahmad, said, “Enveloped in warmth and kindness, the people of this enchanting region graciously tend to tourists from their arrival until they depart.”
The local economy is booming, he said, and people are being better off as a result.
People in this developing area are remarkably well-behaved, making it a pleasant destination. He also said that the young visitors were impressed with how the locals handled the parking situation and how they gave such lovely anecdotes about the region.
“We residents are really proud of the fact that we work hard to make our community even better all the time. Suhail Ahmad, the proprietor of a welcoming bed and breakfast, said that it is his family’s “primary responsibility” to make sure visitors to his area are secure while also educating them about the area’s rich heritage.
He went on to praise the Indian Army for their part in developing what is now a major tourist attraction. They deserve much of the credit for the place’s rising profile in recent years. He went on to say that the army’s attempt to invite various renowned YouTubers had helped promote the valley’s beauty throughout the world.
The villagers have perfected the skill of providing a heartfelt welcome to visitors over many years. Without a doubt, it’s a magnificent location. A group of tourists from Budgam predicted that, with the help of the government and the army, the region will soon become one of the most beautiful in all of Kashmir.
Challenges in Waste Management
There have been major concerns raised for the area’s ecosystem because of the flood of tourists. According to residents, the valley’s riverbanks are a dismal look due to careless trash disposal by visitors.
This reporter saw an alarming pile of trash in many areas, which was creating problems for residents.
It’s a shame that some vacationers have picked out their own garbage dumps. Tanveer Ahmad, a neighbourhood resident, echoed the sentiment, saying, “They should either take their waste with them when they leave or inform us about it so we can create a proper disposal area.”
When Mohammad Ayoob and his family visited the valley, he was disappointed to find that there was no internet service. He demanded that the government act quickly to fix the problem and improve the area’s access to stable communication.
An official said that despite repeatedly bringing the problem of mobile connection to the attention of relevant authorities, no major progress has been achieved.
He did, however, note that work is being done to fix other problems, such as the absence of restrooms in and around Keran.
The construction of many restrooms is underway, and soon they will be available to visitors and residents alike.
A comprehensive strategy for the scientific disposal of garbage, he said, is now being considered.
A Staggering Metamorphosis Despite Past Adversity
The arrival of tourists has supposedly made life much better for the residents. However, the region is still under heavy observation.
Since the peace treaty was signed in February of 2021, our area has changed dramatically. Before that, life was fraught with difficulties, with shelling being a daily ordeal,” they shared.
Since the peace treaty was signed in February of 2021, our area has changed dramatically. Before that, life was fraught with difficulties, with shelling being a daily ordeal,” they shared.
“The shelling has resulted in the loss of many lives and the destruction of numerous houses. We fervently pray to never witness such devastation again,” added Suhail. He further mentioned that although some families have migrated to the other side of the river, their abandoned homes in the village remain in ruins—(KNO)
