Bandipora, Feb 17: Wular Lake in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has reopened to tourists after nearly ten months, bringing relief to locals and raising hopes of economic revival for hundreds of families dependent on tourism-related activities.
The reopening follows an announcement by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha that 14 tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir would be reopened in a phased manner. The sites had been closed after last year’s attack in Pahalgam, which impacted tourist inflow and local businesses.
Residents around Wular Lake said the move has brought relief to hundreds of families reliant on shikara rides, eateries, handicrafts, and guiding services.
“For months, there was no work and no income. We survived on savings and loans. Now we are hopeful that tourists will return,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a Shikara operator.
Manzoor Ahmad, who runs a tea stall near the lakeshore, said the closure had brought business to a standstill. “The day the lake was shut, our earnings stopped. Reopening means we can restart our lives again,” he said.
Another boatman, Ghulam Nabi, said the local economy is directly linked to visitor numbers. “If tourists come in good numbers during the summer, it will compensate for the losses we suffered,” he added.
Shabir Hussain, a handicrafts seller, said many artisans were forced to look for daily-wage work during the shutdown. “Tourism is our primary source of livelihood. We want consistent policies so that such long closures do not happen again,” he said.
Visitors also expressed optimism. “Wular is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kashmir. It should remain accessible with proper security and facilities,” said Rukhsana Bano, a local visitor.
Residents urged authorities to improve road connectivity, sanitation, and visitor amenities around the lake to unlock its full tourism potential.
“We need better infrastructure so that tourists stay longer and spend more time here,” said a local hotel owner, adding that steady footfall would help restore economic stability in the region—(KNO)
