Ganderbal, Jun 15: As tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir prepare to reopen for the season, Saba Bhat, Chairperson of the National Consumer Rights Commission (North India) and head of SHG Samparkh Abhiyan BJP Kashmir, held an interactive session with adventure tour operators in Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
During the session, she appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to resume trekking activities in Sonamarg and Naranag, two regions renowned for their scenic trails and tourism potential.
Speaking to media persons during the interaction, Bhat welcomed the announcement by LG Sinha regarding the reopening of key tourist destinations. She said that, along with other sites, trekking activities in Sonamarg and the adjoining Naranag area in Kangan should also be allowed to resume. “Trekking is not just about tourism—it is directly linked to the livelihood of many local people who depend on it,” she said.
In a show of proactive engagement, Saba announced that a cleanliness drive is being planned through the trekking routes of Sonamarg and Naranag on June 19, ahead of the International Yoga Day. “The idea is to combine environmental responsibility with tourism revival, and the adventure tour operators of Sonamarg have already submitted a memorandum of appeal supporting this initiative,” she added.
The NCRC (North India) chairperson appealed to the Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and the Director of Tourism to support and guide this cleanliness drive, ensuring that the trekking routes are clean and ready for visitors. “We also propose to observe International Yoga Day on June 20 during the drive, as a way to promote health, harmony, and sustainable tourism in the region,” she added.
Bhat reiterated that reopening the trekking trails will not only revive tourism but will also restore a vital source of income for local guides, porters, and other stakeholders. “We appeal to the administration to treat this as a priority and allow the reopening of these essential trekking destinations,” she said.
