Ganderbal, Dec 19: Shutkari village, located along the banks of Nallah Sindh, just two kilometres ahead of the picturesque health resort of Sonamarg, has been home to families who have depended on tourism for their livelihood for over five decades. However, despite its proximity to one of the region’s prime tourist destinations, the village faces severe challenges, especially during the harsh winter months.
Residents, who earn their livelihood through labour and tourism-related activities, said they are being forced to migrate temporarily due to the lack of basic facilities during heavy snowfall. The absence of a health centre in the village compounds their struggles, as patients are taken to PHC Sonamarg for medical assistance, often amidst adverse weather conditions.
“Earlier, we had to leave the village as early as November due to severe snowfall, but now we stay as long as the weather allows,” said a local. “Our survival depends on daily labour, which barely supports our families.”
Another pressing issue raised by villagers is the lack of a playground for children. With no recreational facilities available, children must travel to Sonamarg to play, adding to the hardships faced by the community.
The recently constructed Zojila Tunnel has brought a glimmer of hope for the residents. They believe that the tunnel will provide employment opportunities even during winter, allowing them to remain in the village without the fear of losing their source of income.
The residents have appealed to the authorities to address their grievances, urging them to provide basic amenities like healthcare, ration store and recreational facilities and to ease restrictions on house repairs. They hope these measures will improve their quality of life and support the village’s long-standing reliance on tourism.
