#ResponsibleTourism Archives

People’s Democratic Party’s Call for Liquor Ban Resonates with Kashmir’s Community Leaders

February 24, 2025 Editor

People’s Democratic Party Calls for Complete Ban on Liquor in Jammu and Kashmir Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) launched a signature campaign in Jammu and Kashmir on February 23 to gather support for a complete ban on liquor in the region. The campaign was organised to back a bill introduced by PDP MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, which proposes a total prohibition of alcohol in the union territory. The initiative was launched by party leader Iltija Mufti at the PDP’s head office. Mufti had initially planned to…

Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi Slams Kashmir Police for Removing Anti-Alcohol Hoardings

February 23, 2025 Editor

Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi Slams Kashmir Police for Removing Anti-Alcohol Hoardings Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – In a recent development, Srinagar MP and National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has criticized the Jammu and Kashmir police for removing anti-alcohol hoardings in Srinagar. The hoardings, which were put up by traders in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, urged tourists to refrain from consuming liquor and drugs, promoting responsible tourism and respect for local culture. The Controversy The controversy began when the police reportedly removed signboards and standees placed by…

Travel Associations in Kashmir Advocate for Alcohol Ban: A Stand for Tradition

February 16, 2025 Editor

Kashmir’s Travel and Tourism Associations Advocate for Alcohol Ban Srinagar, 15 Feb : The joint travel and tourism bodies of Kashmir reaffirm their full support for the proposed complete ban on alcohol in the region. This measure aligns with Kashmir’s cultural, social, and religious values and will help create a healthier and more respectful environment for both residents and visitors. As Kashmir is promoted as a family-oriented tourism destination, we believe there should be a complete ban on alcohol in the region, similar to the alcohol ban in Gujarat. While…

Budget-Friendly Luxury: Vande Bharat Express Opens New Doors to Kashmir

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 Editor

An Affordability Revolution for Kashmir’s Travel Economy By: Javid Amin January 2025 marks a groundbreaking chapter in Kashmir’s travel story with the much-anticipated launch of the Vande Bharat Express, India’s flagship semi-high-speed rail project. The train promises to transform the travel experience to and from the Valley, offering not just speed but unparalleled comfort and affordability. As this modern marvel takes its first journey, connecting New Delhi to Srinagar in just 13 hours, it sets the stage for a new era of connectivity, affordability, and economic growth for the region.…

Rain Gauge Running Dry: Kashmir Watches in Worry as Winter Turns Arid

January 8, 2024 Editor

Kashmir is experiencing a prolonged dry spell with no snowfall, causing concern for ecologists and tourism stakeholders who depend on snow for visitors. The lack of snow may impact skiing trips and winter sports, with the fear of cancellations and a decline in tourists. The dry spell is attributed to El Nino, which is expected to persist until next month. Other tourist resorts in the region, such as Pahalgam and Sonamarg, are also without winter allure. Although Kashmir is almost halfway through its harshest 40-day winter period, “Chilla-i-Kalan”, no snow…

Pahalgam’s tourism carrying capacity exceeded, leading to environmental degradation and social disruption

September 24, 2023 Editor

Pahalgam’s environment and culture under threat from tourism By : Javid Amin Pahalgam, nestled in the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, has long been renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its lush mountains, meandering rivers, and verdant forests have made it a favored tourist destination. However, in recent years, Pahalgam has encountered a host of challenges, primarily centered around environmental degradation and the growing issue of overtourism. Foremost among these challenges is environmental degradation, stemming from several interconnected factors. Deforestation, driven by logging and land clearance, poses a…

Plastic pollution poses threat to tourism in Kashmir’s border areas

August 28, 2023August 28, 2023 Editor

Tourist Boom in Kashmir’s Border Areas Brings Plastic Pollution Concerns to the Forefront By: Javid Amin Over the past two years, regions such as Keran, Bangus, Tangdhar, Gurez, and Uri along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir have witnessed a remarkable surge in tourist activity. This uptick in tourism can be attributed to the February 2021 ceasefire agreement between the Indian and Pakistani armies, which opened up these areas for visitors. However, with this influx of tourists comes a concerning rise in plastic pollution. Local officials and environmentalists…