Shakeela Andrabi
Tourism in India is important for the country’s economy and is raising speedily. The World Travel and Tourism Council figured that tourism generated 5.8 % of India’s GDP and endorsed 32.1 million jobs in 2021. Indeed however, these figures were lower than the pre-pandemic numbers; the country’s economy witnessed a significant growth in 2021 after the heavy downturn during year 2020.
Domestic tourist visits to all the states and union territories but the J & K is being liked by the majority because of the beauty of Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh. It is often acknowledged by numerous historians to be the only state in India conserving it’s over 1000 years ancient history. This natural paradise on earth isn’t just rich in history, but also in its natural diversity and eternal beauty. However, its historical and cotemporaneous treasure is also spoiled with the blood of a lot of innocent veins. Rise of militancy in J & K during the 1990s being the reason behind such bloodshed. Effects of militancy on the country’s economy and the livelihood of the locals can be seen even with blind eyes.
The rise in militancy has brought the economy of the state to the lowest as compared to the other states. Jammu and Kashmir at one time used get flooded with tourists; both local as well as foreigners. The backbone of the economy of the state was its tourism sector which saw an 86% decline in 1990s compared to 1980s. Tourism contributes a total of 7% of the state GDP which started dwindling when the militancy was at its peak in 1995. As per the records, more than a million tourists used to visit J & K every year before 1990s when the militancy has started taking shape. Tourism had not only helped the locals for livelihood but also helped other industries like handicrafts, mountaineering and small- scale manufacturing etc. J & K is a home to a many religious shrines of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Sikhs. People from all over the world visit these shrines with a lot of enthusiasm. This religious tourism is also one of the types of tourism field which is helping locals with many livelihood activities. Sadly, there has been a steep decline in the no of visitors therefore taking out a lot of money from the hands of locals which further fuelled the mass unemployment of youth. This jobless youth specifically of Kashmir are very effectively brainwashed by the anti-national forces working across the borders with the help of their OGWs in the valley and convert them into militants.
August 5th is the day when Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in 2019. On August 5, 2019, Articles 370 and 35 (A) were abolished that gave the erstwhile state its special status and the mandate to define its domicile rules. While political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have pledged to continue their fight for restoration of statehood, the tourism sector witnessed prominent achievements after the government allocated Rs 786 crores to the industry. The tourism industry witnessed a fiscal increase with market players making gains after decades of restlessness. The fortuitous surge in tourist activities was primarily driven due to the development of infrastructure, enhancement in connectivity and better law and order.
The highest- ever tourist footfall and air traffic have been logged since last three years of being converted into union territory. In order to attract foreign tourists direct international flights have been introduced. Tourists not only liked to visit the Kashmir valley for leisure but also the majority of them visited the UT for spiritual and adventure activities. In April this year, the Srinagar International airport recorded the highest ever 102 to and fro day-to-day flights as well as the highest footfall of,199 daily passengers. Seeing the year’s footfall, the government is planning to make another terminal at Srinagar International Airport to cater for the increased rush in the future. Tulip Garden, being one of the biggest in Asia it was opened on March 13 had witnessed max no of visitors, locals as well as domestic tourists, since its establishment in 2007. Excited by the inflow of tourists, various adventure activities have picked up in the valley resulting in creating further jobs and business opportunities for the locals. Recently, the thrilling and adventurous Jet Ski rides attracted travellers at world famous Dal Lake. The UT administration has also taken several measures to attract travellers and get a mesmerising experience of visiting the Kashmir valley. At Ganderbal’s Manasbal lake, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department organised a carnival to promote local art and culture, food and water sports activities. Over 79 lakh tourists visited J&K in last one year, which highlights that the present situation is favourable for the growth of the tourism sector.
The answer to the problems faced by the Jammu & Kashmir and its people lies in the economic, social as well as educational growth of the region. A advanced union territory of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir will always stay like a “Kohinoor” on the Indian crown. Growth of these regions will help in upgrading the living standards of the local populace. In the end, people here also have to understand that no matter what the situation of militancy, the territorial integrity of the state and the dignity of the people will always be maintained by our nation to its best of capacity.
