Kupwara border zones: Once ‘no-go’, now thriving with tourism activities

Srinagar, Dec 30: The ‘once-no-go zones’ along the borders of Kupwara in north Kashmir have blossomed into thriving tourist destinations.
This surge in tourism brings newfound hope to the residents of these border areas with over four lakh tourist footfalls in the current year.
Previously dominated by demands for the construction of underground bunkers, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Locals now find themselves abandoning thoughts of bunkers as they enthusiastically embrace the concept of homestays. For many, this transformation represents a dream come true, as these areas were previously considered off-limits.
Hilal Ahmad, a resident of Keran, expressed how just two years ago, the educated youth in the region faced limited opportunities. However, with the momentum gained in border tourism, new prospects have emerged. Ahmad predicts, “If the guns remain silent on the border, the day is not far when this district will become a tourism hotspot.”
Officials report a preference among tourists for areas like Keran, Machil, Karnah, Teethwal, and other offbeat places. Astonishingly, the number of visitors is doubling each year, with over four lakh tourists exploring Kupwara, surpassing previous records.
The success of this transformation is not only reflected in tourist numbers but also the flourishing trend of homestays. Approximately fifty registered homestays in locations such as Lolab, Nowgam, Puthwari, Drangyari, Keran, Machil, Tangdhar, and Teethwal offer two hundred rooms to tourists.
An additional 41 registrations are underway, showcasing the growing appeal of border areas as tourist destinations.
The rejuvenation of border tourism, sparked by the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in February 2021 is now a beacon for economic prosperity in the border district. Joint efforts by the army, locals, and the government have played a pivotal role in this positive transformation.
As residents revel in the increased engagement with tourism, the borders are no longer seen as barriers, but as gateways to opportunity and development.