Thajiwas Glacier faces facility shortages, impacting tourism and local economy

Ganderbal, May 23: The Thajiwas Glacier, located five kilometers from the main town of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, is grappling with a lack of essential facilities. This shortage affects both tourists and locals, who encounter daily challenges due to the absence of concrete bridges to cross small streams, inadequate communication systems, and a lack of public toilets.
Thousands of locals are directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector here, including sledge operators, horse riders, and other service providers. These individuals continue to facilitate tourism at Thajiwas Glacier, guiding visitors on horse rides from Sonamarg to the glacier. However, the absence of basic infrastructure hampers their efforts and the overall tourist experience.
Before 2017, vehicles were allowed to transport tourists to Thajiwas Glacier, significantly reducing travel time and effort. However, due to environmental concerns and the risk of glacier melting from pollution, the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court banned vehicular access to Thajiwas in 2017. To mitigate the impact of this ban, the tourism department introduced battery-powered vehicles to transport tourists comfortably. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) currently operates three battery-powered autos, each accommodating up to five people at a fare of Rs. 400 per person, with official receipts provided.
Despite these measures, locals report that inadequate infrastructure remains a significant issue. Dilapidated bridges have not been repaired, and there are no proper arrangements for cleanliness at Thajiwas Glacier, which is also a designated wildlife sanctuary with strict pollution, fire, and noise restrictions. This sanctuary status underscores the need for sustainable tourism practices.
Locals have voiced their concerns, noting that the lack of proper facilities not only affects the visitor experience but also the local economy. “There are no steps being taken to repair these dilapidated bridges,” one resident remarked, highlighting the ongoing neglect.
Official sources acknowledged these issues, stating that higher authorities have been informed about the necessary bridge repairs. Additionally, they mentioned the existence of designated pony tracks to ensure safe and sustainable horse rides. However, locals have reported the proliferation of numerous informal tracks, detracting from the area’s natural beauty and potentially causing environmental damage.