Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.

Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Alarm | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.


Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Fears | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

Army Hosts Ice Cricket League In Snowbound Gurez 

While the Ski Resort Gulmarg is famous for its slopes and powder snow, the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir is now promoting winter sports activities in areas close to the Line of Control.

In Gurez valley of North Kashmir's Bandipora district, the Indian Army has started ski training for the youth of the bordering area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gurez remains cut off for months from the rest of Kashmir Valley and the country due to heavy snow accumulation in the region. But that has not dampened the spirit of the locals as the Indian Army and sports council have started many winter sports activities in the region.

A ski training workshop for the local youth was organised by the Army where the slopes of the Gurez were explored as well as adding sports activities for the young.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-narcotics-control-bureau-collaborate-to-seize-massive-drug-haul-at-sea-694710">Indian Navy, Narcotics Control Bureau seize 'largest' drug haul at sea</a>

The youth of the Gurez region was extremely happy and thankful to the Indian Army for organising such events where not only are they trained but it also helps in promoting the region so that more and more people visit the area.&nbsp;

''We are very thankful to the Indian Army and Youth Sports for organising such an important ski course in the Gurez Valley, we learned the basic skills. The way ski and winter sports activities are done in Gulmarg, the same way we should have winter sports activities in the Gurez region as well. We will learn these sports and represent our country,'' said a young boy from Gurez.&nbsp;

The Indian Army recently also organised a snow cricket tournament in the Gurez region. The cricket enthusiasts were happy that despite heaps of snow and minus-degree temperatures, they could play cricket in the area. It has become an annual event in the Gurez valley to hold the Ice Cricket tournament during winters.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajiv-gandhi-assassination-case-convict-santhan-freed-in-2022-dies-694689">Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Santhan, freed in 2022, dies in India's Chennai</a>

The event became a hit two years ago after the videos of the tournament went viral on social media. International cricket players from across the world have appreciated and shared the photos on their social media handles. Gurez has received heaps of snow this year which has led to the shutting of roads leading from Srinagar to Gurez.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-hp-chief-minister-sukhvinder-singh-sukhu-has-resigned-lop-thakur-694712">India: HP Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has resigned: LoP Thakur</a>

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''I am thankful to the Indian Army for organising the tournament. It has been named as Gurez Premier League and the army has been working a lot for the children of the Gurez. We are cut off due to heavy snowfall during the winters and they make sure to keep our children busy with sports activities. It's great for the health of these children and also keeps them away from drugs etc.,'' said a local.

The Indian Army says that these winter sports activities are aimed at exploring local talent in the sport and developing skills in citizens to boost tourism and recreational opportunities in the region.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

While the Ski Resort Gulmarg is famous for its slopes and powder snow, the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir is now promoting winter sports activities in areas close to the Line of Control.

While the Ski Resort Gulmarg is famous for its slopes and powder snow, the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir is now promoting winter sports activities in areas close to the Line of Control. In Gurez valley of North Kashmir's Bandipora district, the Indian Army has started ski training for the youth of the bordering area. Gurez remains cut off for months from the rest of Kashmir Valley and the country due to heavy snow accumulation in the region. But that has not dampened the spirit of the locals as the Indian Army and sports council have started many winter sports activities in the region. A ski training workshop for the local youth was organised by the Army where the slopes of the Gurez were explored as well as adding sports activities for the young. Also Read | Indian Navy, Narcotics Control Bureau seize 'largest' drug haul at sea The youth of the Gurez region was extremely happy and thankful to the Indian Army for organising such events where not only are they trained but it also helps in promoting the region so that more and more people visit the area. ''We are very thankful to the Indian Army and Youth Sports for organising such an important ski course in the Gurez Valley, we learned the basic skills. The way ski and winter sports activities are done in Gulmarg, the same way we should have winter sports activities in the Gurez region as well. We will learn these sports and represent our country,'' said a young boy from Gurez. The Indian Army recently also organised a snow cricket tournament in the Gurez region. The cricket enthusiasts were happy that despite heaps of snow and minus-degree temperatures, they could play cricket in the area. It has become an annual event in the Gurez valley to hold the Ice Cricket tournament during winters. Also Read | Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Santhan, freed in 2022, dies in India's Chennai The event became a hit two years ago after the videos of the tournament went viral on social media. International cricket players from across the world have appreciated and shared the photos on their social media handles. Gurez has received heaps of snow this year which has led to the shutting of roads leading from Srinagar to Gurez. Watch | India: HP Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has resigned: LoP Thakur × ''I am thankful to the Indian Army for organising the tournament. It has been named as Gurez Premier League and the army has been working a lot for the children of the Gurez. We are cut off due to heavy snowfall during the winters and they make sure to keep our children busy with sports activities. It's great for the health of these children and also keeps them away from drugs etc.,'' said a local. The Indian Army says that these winter sports activities are aimed at exploring local talent in the sport and developing skills in citizens to boost tourism and recreational opportunities in the region.

Indian Army starts ski training for youth in bordering areas of Gurez

With Kashmir Valley receiving fresh snowfall after a long dry spell of over two months, winter activities are at their peak in North Kashmir’s Gurez area of Bandipora District. Cricket enthusiasts aren’t giving up playing cricket despite heaps of snow and minus-degree temperatures. These local cricket lovers from the&nbsp;village of Gurez have started a cricket tournament on the icy pitch surrounded by snow-clad mountains.

Ice Cricket Tournament during winters&nbsp;has become an annual event in the Gurez Valley. The event became a hit after&nbsp;videos of the tournament went viral on social media two years ago . International cricket players from across the world have appreciated and shared the photos on their social media handles.

Gurez has received heavy snowfall this year, leading to roads connecting&nbsp;Srinagar to the valley being closed for traffic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gulmarg-ski-resort-buzzing-once-again-all-hotels-booked-for-february-690588">Ski resort in India's Gulmarg buzzing with activity again, all hotels booked for February</a>

''Gurez is one of the best snow-clad valleys in Kashmir and it has also become famous for snow cricket. We have organised the snow cricket this year and our main focus is always for the kids of this area to enjoy the most. I want to request the LG Manoj Sinha, to help us promote the Gurez valley as they promote Gulmarg and Pahalgam,'' said a local.

Various villages in the Gurez sector&nbsp;came&nbsp;together with the Indian Army and organised the Gurez Premier League for the third consecutive year. Gurez was also given the ''Best offbeat destination of India'' award a couple of years ago. That led to a huge increase in the number of tourists visiting the area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/family-of-indian-student-who-died-in-canada-appeals-to-jaishankar-to-help-bring-back-mortal-remains-690923">Indian student dies in Canada, family appeals to Jaishankar for help in bringing back mortal remains</a>

"I am thankful to the Indian Army for organising the tournament. It has been named as Gurez Premier League and the army has been working a lot for the children of the Gurez. We are cut off due to heavy snowfall during the winters and they make sure to keep our children busy with sports activities. It's great for the health of these children and also keeps them away from drugs etc," said a local.

The&nbsp;tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir has been promoting tourism in the region and making efforts to keep the roads open for the winters as well.

With Kashmir Valley receiving fresh snowfall after a long dry spell of over two months, winter activities are at their peak in North Kashmir’s Gurez area of Bandipora District.

With Kashmir Valley receiving fresh snowfall after a long dry spell of over two months, winter activities are at their peak in North Kashmir’s Gurez area of Bandipora District. Cricket enthusiasts aren’t giving up playing cricket despite heaps of snow and minus-degree temperatures. These local cricket lovers from the village of Gurez have started a cricket tournament on the icy pitch surrounded by snow-clad mountains. Ice Cricket Tournament during winters has become an annual event in the Gurez Valley. The event became a hit after videos of the tournament went viral on social media two years ago . International cricket players from across the world have appreciated and shared the photos on their social media handles. Gurez has received heavy snowfall this year, leading to roads connecting Srinagar to the valley being closed for traffic. Also read | Ski resort in India's Gulmarg buzzing with activity again, all hotels booked for February ''Gurez is one of the best snow-clad valleys in Kashmir and it has also become famous for snow cricket. We have organised the snow cricket this year and our main focus is always for the kids of this area to enjoy the most. I want to request the LG Manoj Sinha, to help us promote the Gurez valley as they promote Gulmarg and Pahalgam,'' said a local. Various villages in the Gurez sector came together with the Indian Army and organised the Gurez Premier League for the third consecutive year. Gurez was also given the ''Best offbeat destination of India'' award a couple of years ago. That led to a huge increase in the number of tourists visiting the area. Also read | Indian student dies in Canada, family appeals to Jaishankar for help in bringing back mortal remains "I am thankful to the Indian Army for organising the tournament. It has been named as Gurez Premier League and the army has been working a lot for the children of the Gurez. We are cut off due to heavy snowfall during the winters and they make sure to keep our children busy with sports activities. It's great for the health of these children and also keeps them away from drugs etc," said a local. The tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir has been promoting tourism in the region and making efforts to keep the roads open for the winters as well.

Indian Army organises Ice Cricket Tournament in Gurez area close to Line of Control

The Indian Army conducted ‘Jashn-e-Gurez’ - a mix of adventure sports and culturally rooted activities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez valley. Best known for its picturesque view and pristine locale, where travellers come to witness nature up close, this time around set stage for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

The festival included events like paramotoring, hot air balloon rides, tug of war, volleyball, pony race, and river rafting. Children heartily enjoyed the spoon race, sack race and jalebi race. About 1,500 people from across the country along with the locals were seen engaging in activities held at the Badwan Camp Site.&nbsp;

The army’s maiden event was a coordinated effort by specialised Army Adventure Wing Teams (AAW) of Hot Air Balloon, River Rafting and Paramotor teams.

With the onset of monsoons, the weather was congruent with the zest of the crowd.&nbsp;

"The jalebi race for the school kids was a first for me, and fascinating to watch them enjoy. We saw culturally rooted activities like the race on Gurezi ponies, another event was the one in which participants were seen shearing sheep," said Prajakta Pai, a tourist.

While Shameem Ahmed Khan, a resident of Gurez said paramotoring and hot air balloon rides could boost tourism in the region.

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Indian Army's maiden 'Jashn-e-Gurez' festival in the valley enthrals tourists and locals alike. 
 
The event held at Jammu &amp; Kashmir's Gurez included adventure with culturally-rooted activities. 
 
Participants speak about their experience...<a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://t.co/DuTTk8zW7z">pic.twitter.com/DuTTk8zW7z</a>
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Dhruv Shah, another tourist said, "It was a spectacle, people from across age groups were seen participating. They exhibited outstanding enthusiasm. This could be a tourist attraction in times to come."

This edition of the fest concluded of Friday (August 4) on a high note.

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"The festival undoubtedly serves the aim of enhancing coordination between Army and locals, and boosting tourism in the valley and thereby creating employment opportunities in the Gurez valley,” said a senior Army official.

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The Indian Army conducted ‘Jashn-e-Gurez’ - a mix of adventure sports and culturally rooted activities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez valley. Best known for its picturesque view and pristine locale, where travellers come to witness nature up close, this time around set stage for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

The Indian Army conducted ‘Jashn-e-Gurez’ - a mix of adventure sports and culturally rooted activities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez valley. Best known for its picturesque view and pristine locale, where travellers come to witness nature up close, this time around set stage for an adrenaline-pumping experience. The festival included events like paramotoring, hot air balloon rides, tug of war, volleyball, pony race, and river rafting. Children heartily enjoyed the spoon race, sack race and jalebi race. About 1,500 people from across the country along with the locals were seen engaging in activities held at the Badwan Camp Site. The army’s maiden event was a coordinated effort by specialised Army Adventure Wing Teams (AAW) of Hot Air Balloon, River Rafting and Paramotor teams. With the onset of monsoons, the weather was congruent with the zest of the crowd. "The jalebi race for the school kids was a first for me, and fascinating to watch them enjoy. We saw culturally rooted activities like the race on Gurezi ponies, another event was the one in which participants were seen shearing sheep," said Prajakta Pai, a tourist. While Shameem Ahmed Khan, a resident of Gurez said paramotoring and hot air balloon rides could boost tourism in the region. Indian Army's maiden 'Jashn-e-Gurez' festival in the valley enthrals tourists and locals alike. The event held at Jammu & Kashmir's Gurez included adventure with culturally-rooted activities. Participants speak about their experience...@adgpi pic.twitter.com/DuTTk8zW7z — WION (@WIONews) August 4, 2023 × Dhruv Shah, another tourist said, "It was a spectacle, people from across age groups were seen participating. They exhibited outstanding enthusiasm. This could be a tourist attraction in times to come." This edition of the fest concluded of Friday (August 4) on a high note. × "The festival undoubtedly serves the aim of enhancing coordination between Army and locals, and boosting tourism in the valley and thereby creating employment opportunities in the Gurez valley,” said a senior Army official. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kashmir: Indian Army's adventure festival in Gurez enthrals tourists and locals alike

India's Border Roads Organisation opened the crucial Zojila and Razdan passes on March 16,&nbsp;months after being disconnected from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley. The seasonal passes, this year, opened&nbsp;much before their usual time of opening.&nbsp;

Zojila Pass is located on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road (NH-1), over 900 km north of New Delhi, at a height of 11,650 feet. The pass provides a vital strategic link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region. It closes by October, November every year and re-opens by April-May with the total closure time averaging to almost five to six months.&nbsp;

With the renewed focus on infrastructure development and augmentation of connectivity to India's Northern borders and de-facto international boundaries&nbsp;in recent years, India has sensed a strategic requirement of minimising the closure of Zojila Pass during winters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-receives-fresh-snowfall-srinagar-jammu-national-highway-closed-554393">Kashmir receives fresh snowfall, Srinagar-Jammu National Highway closed</a>

''Border Road Organisation accordingly ensured that the Zojila Pass was kept open for traffic till as late as 06 Jan 2023 this year, thereby creating a new historic precedent of its kind. The advantage which accrued by keeping Zojila open till this late can be assessed by the fact that almost 13,500 vehicles crossed the Pass between end Nov 2022 and 06 Jan 2023,'' said Public Relations Office (PRO), Defence, Srinagar, in an official statement.&nbsp;

Despite a spell of severe winter during which the union territory of&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the highest snowfall in the last five years, BRO rose to the challenge and initiated various measures to ensure early opening of the Zojila Pass.

Finding a clear window of dry weather in the first week of Feb 2023, snow clearance teams were pushed into immediate action by Project Beacon and Project Vijayak from Sonmarg and Dras ends of Zojila. After sustained and relentless efforts, initial connectivity across Zojila Pass was established on 11 Mar 2023. Improvement and widening of the road surface have been carried out since then to facilitate safe passage of vehicles.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Trending on WION: Heavy snowfall brings normal life to a halt in Kashmir

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''Trial convoys of vehicles have been successfully passed through the Zojila on 16 Mar 2023, thereby ensuring that the Pass remained closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160-180 days in the yesteryears,'' the PRO Defence Srinagar added.&nbsp;

Likewise, Razdan Pass which provides the only road connectivity between the Gurez Sector and the Kashmir Valley, has also been successfully reopened on March 16 after a gap of just 58 days. Other important passes at Sadhna, Pharkiyan Gali and Zamindar Gali have been kept open throughout this winter season.&nbsp;

Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, Director General of Border Roads,&nbsp;commended the Karmayogis of Project Beacon and Project Vijayak in achieving this feat.

Early opening of the Zojila and Razdan Passes will facilitate augmentation of supply of essential goods and services for people of Ladakh and Gurez Valley.&nbsp;

''BRO’s commitment towards nation building and service to the people.&nbsp;The trial movement of vehicles has been conducted successfully today and the decision to open the road for civil traffic will be taken by the Civil Administration after the conduct of joint inspection. The BRO has again risen to the challenge and lived to its ethos of “We Will Either Find A Way or Make One”, said Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, DGBR.&nbsp;

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India's Border Roads Organisation opened the crucial Zojila and Razdan passes on March 16, months after being disconnected from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley.

India's Border Roads Organisation opened the crucial Zojila and Razdan passes on March 16, months after being disconnected from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley. The seasonal passes, this year, opened much before their usual time of opening. Zojila Pass is located on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road (NH-1), over 900 km north of New Delhi, at a height of 11,650 feet. The pass provides a vital strategic link between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region. It closes by October, November every year and re-opens by April-May with the total closure time averaging to almost five to six months. With the renewed focus on infrastructure development and augmentation of connectivity to India's Northern borders and de-facto international boundaries in recent years, India has sensed a strategic requirement of minimising the closure of Zojila Pass during winters. ALSO READ | Kashmir receives fresh snowfall, Srinagar-Jammu National Highway closed ''Border Road Organisation accordingly ensured that the Zojila Pass was kept open for traffic till as late as 06 Jan 2023 this year, thereby creating a new historic precedent of its kind. The advantage which accrued by keeping Zojila open till this late can be assessed by the fact that almost 13,500 vehicles crossed the Pass between end Nov 2022 and 06 Jan 2023,'' said Public Relations Office (PRO), Defence, Srinagar, in an official statement. Despite a spell of severe winter during which the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the highest snowfall in the last five years, BRO rose to the challenge and initiated various measures to ensure early opening of the Zojila Pass. Finding a clear window of dry weather in the first week of Feb 2023, snow clearance teams were pushed into immediate action by Project Beacon and Project Vijayak from Sonmarg and Dras ends of Zojila. After sustained and relentless efforts, initial connectivity across Zojila Pass was established on 11 Mar 2023. Improvement and widening of the road surface have been carried out since then to facilitate safe passage of vehicles. ALSO WATCH | Trending on WION: Heavy snowfall brings normal life to a halt in Kashmir × ''Trial convoys of vehicles have been successfully passed through the Zojila on 16 Mar 2023, thereby ensuring that the Pass remained closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160-180 days in the yesteryears,'' the PRO Defence Srinagar added. Likewise, Razdan Pass which provides the only road connectivity between the Gurez Sector and the Kashmir Valley, has also been successfully reopened on March 16 after a gap of just 58 days. Other important passes at Sadhna, Pharkiyan Gali and Zamindar Gali have been kept open throughout this winter season. Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, Director General of Border Roads, commended the Karmayogis of Project Beacon and Project Vijayak in achieving this feat. Early opening of the Zojila and Razdan Passes will facilitate augmentation of supply of essential goods and services for people of Ladakh and Gurez Valley. ''BRO’s commitment towards nation building and service to the people. The trial movement of vehicles has been conducted successfully today and the decision to open the road for civil traffic will be taken by the Civil Administration after the conduct of joint inspection. The BRO has again risen to the challenge and lived to its ethos of “We Will Either Find A Way or Make One”, said Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, DGBR. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India reopens strategic passes in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of usual schedule

With heaps of snow and freezing temperatures, areas like Gurez in North Kashmir's Bandipora district and Drass and Kargil districts are cut off from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir for over five months but this time the Indian Army has made sure to keep the areas lively by organising winter sports.

J&K: Indian Army organises winter sports for locals in Gurez, Drass sector | WION Climate Tracker

In the border village of North Kashmir's Gurez sector, close to the Line of Control, the Indian Army has set up a skill development centre to empower local women. The Indian Army has chosen the best location for the skill development centre overlooking the Habba Khatoon Peak in Gurez Valley. These women are being trained in various skills to make them independent.&nbsp;

Habba Khatoon known as 'The Nightingale of Kashmir' was a poet from the 16th century and holds great respect in Kashmir. And there could have been no better inspiration for these women. These women are taught various skills including computers, stitching and other skills.&nbsp;

The main motive of the Indian Army is to make the women independent so that they can start a business of their own. And the women attending these classes are thankful to the Indian Army for opening the skill development centre in Gurez valley.&nbsp;

"This is a great opportunity for us and will benefit all of us. Skill development is very important in a world, where everything is digital. Most of us had completed our studies and didn't have a job and now by this we are able to spend our time with each other and learn a skill. We are not wasting our time anymore and also becoming independent. It's a great platform provided by the Indian Army which has&nbsp;played a great role for the people living in far flung areas. We are highly thankful to the Indian Army," said Saima, a student.&nbsp;

The bordering villages of North Kashmir have faced a lot of violence due to continuous ceasefire violations from across the border for decades. Hundreds of people were killed and injured during these violations. Many houses and properties were damaged too. The&nbsp;local women have suffered a lot due to the volatile situation. These people are living a normal life finally after the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan last year.&nbsp;

The area generally gets cut off after the first snowfall in April and people, especially&nbsp;women, have not much to do.&nbsp;

"I want to thank the Indian Army for opening this centre. It gave us a great opportunity, we were sitting at home and not doing anything. We are learning various skills and the main thing is that we were not doing anything in winters and now we have a skill and an institute to come and learn and earn from," said Roshni, a student.&nbsp;

The Indian Army has been working hard to open such kinds of initiatives for the women living in these bordering areas. Many such centres have been opened in various sectors close to the Line of Control.&nbsp;

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In the border village of North Kashmir's Gurez sector, close to the Line of Control, the Indian Army has set up a skill development centre to empower local women.

In the border village of North Kashmir's Gurez sector, close to the Line of Control, the Indian Army has set up a skill development centre to empower local women. The Indian Army has chosen the best location for the skill development centre overlooking the Habba Khatoon Peak in Gurez Valley. These women are being trained in various skills to make them independent. Habba Khatoon known as 'The Nightingale of Kashmir' was a poet from the 16th century and holds great respect in Kashmir. And there could have been no better inspiration for these women. These women are taught various skills including computers, stitching and other skills. The main motive of the Indian Army is to make the women independent so that they can start a business of their own. And the women attending these classes are thankful to the Indian Army for opening the skill development centre in Gurez valley. "This is a great opportunity for us and will benefit all of us. Skill development is very important in a world, where everything is digital. Most of us had completed our studies and didn't have a job and now by this we are able to spend our time with each other and learn a skill. We are not wasting our time anymore and also becoming independent. It's a great platform provided by the Indian Army which has played a great role for the people living in far flung areas. We are highly thankful to the Indian Army," said Saima, a student. The bordering villages of North Kashmir have faced a lot of violence due to continuous ceasefire violations from across the border for decades. Hundreds of people were killed and injured during these violations. Many houses and properties were damaged too. The local women have suffered a lot due to the volatile situation. These people are living a normal life finally after the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan last year. The area generally gets cut off after the first snowfall in April and people, especially women, have not much to do. "I want to thank the Indian Army for opening this centre. It gave us a great opportunity, we were sitting at home and not doing anything. We are learning various skills and the main thing is that we were not doing anything in winters and now we have a skill and an institute to come and learn and earn from," said Roshni, a student. The Indian Army has been working hard to open such kinds of initiatives for the women living in these bordering areas. Many such centres have been opened in various sectors close to the Line of Control. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian Army opens skill development centre in Kashmir to empower women in border areas

Once known as the traditional Infiltration route of terrorists coming from across the border and continuous ceasefire violations, North Kashmir's Gurez valley is now India's best offbeat tourist destination. Gurez was recently awarded a national award for being the best offbeat tourist destination in India.

The efforts of the Indian army are paying off. The Indian army along with the civil administration have been working hard to promote Gurez to bring tourists to this part of the Kashmir Valley. Around 0.4 million tourists have visited the Gurez valley since the summer of 2021. Securing the borders and opening the road to Gurez for the tourists has been the Indian Army's priority. And the locals of the place are thankful to the soldiers for helping them with mostly every need of theirs.&nbsp;

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''Whatever we have here is because of the Indian Army. We cannot forget what the Indian army has done for the people of Gurez. They live in our hearts. The change that happened in the last few years specially after Jammu Kashmir became a Union Territory, we have Mobile phone service here now. We are thankful to the Indian Army that our daughters are able to give online classes from Gurez. We are thankful to the Indian Army for opening Gurez as the tourist destination. Army is securing the area and are helping us to bring the tourists here and from the last two years we are finally getting a lot of tourists. And we are hopeful we will get more tourists in future, all the projects running here are because of the Indian army,'' said Ghulam Mohamad Lone, Sarpanch, Kanzalwan, Gurez.&nbsp;

There are dozens of new hotels and homestays that have opened in the Gurez Valley. The locals are converting their houses into homestays and allowing tourists to experience the culture and heritage of the Gurez Valley. All these hoteliers and guest house owners are profiting from the tourist arrivals. There are numerous camp sites across the Gurez valley run by the locals. The trekkers from across the world have been visiting and hiking the mountains of the himalayan region. &nbsp;

''We opened in the month of May and we have been able to do a business of around 9 lakh rupees. All the hotels and guest houses were booked. This place had ceasefire violations, shelling but from the last few years it has become peaceful, and it has also become a tourist hub. We are sure our future is bright and there is a lot of talent here. Kashmir is the real heaven and now people are finding new places in the valley to visit. We could have not done anything without the help of the Indian army. The army interacted with the tourists and gave them a different experience of the place,'' said Mohsin Lone, hotelier.&nbsp;

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The Tourism department has been holding festivals and promoting these destinations through road shows and campaigning across India. The tourism department has been helping the locals to convert their houses into homestays. Earlier, people required permission to go to Gurez valley from administration and security forces, which is not required anymore.&nbsp;

''Gurez has become a prominent destination and I want to congratulate the people of Gurez for getting a national award for best offbeat destination. We want to showcase the culture and ethnic varieties of the Gurez to the tourists from across the country and world. It's a paradise of ethnic varieties. We have done it. Gurez has become a great destination for the tourists. We are promoting the places and showcasing this to tourists. We are taking new initiatives and we have got a great response from people. The benefit of the tourism boom will be for the locals of the place,'' said G N Ito, Director of Tourism.&nbsp;

The locals of the Gurez valley are welcoming the tourists with open arms. They have opened their homes to tourists across the world. With the main motive of showcasing the culture and ethnic values of the people of the Gurez.&nbsp;

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Once known as the traditional Infiltration route of terrorists coming from across the border and continuous ceasefire violations, North Kashmir's Gurez valley is now India's best offbeat tourist destination.

Once known as the traditional Infiltration route of terrorists coming from across the border and continuous ceasefire violations, North Kashmir's Gurez valley is now India's best offbeat tourist destination. Gurez was recently awarded a national award for being the best offbeat tourist destination in India. The efforts of the Indian army are paying off. The Indian army along with the civil administration have been working hard to promote Gurez to bring tourists to this part of the Kashmir Valley. Around 0.4 million tourists have visited the Gurez valley since the summer of 2021. Securing the borders and opening the road to Gurez for the tourists has been the Indian Army's priority. And the locals of the place are thankful to the soldiers for helping them with mostly every need of theirs. Also read | 'Friendship can solve any problem': Hasina hails India-Bangladesh ties ''Whatever we have here is because of the Indian Army. We cannot forget what the Indian army has done for the people of Gurez. They live in our hearts. The change that happened in the last few years specially after Jammu Kashmir became a Union Territory, we have Mobile phone service here now. We are thankful to the Indian Army that our daughters are able to give online classes from Gurez. We are thankful to the Indian Army for opening Gurez as the tourist destination. Army is securing the area and are helping us to bring the tourists here and from the last two years we are finally getting a lot of tourists. And we are hopeful we will get more tourists in future, all the projects running here are because of the Indian army,'' said Ghulam Mohamad Lone, Sarpanch, Kanzalwan, Gurez. There are dozens of new hotels and homestays that have opened in the Gurez Valley. The locals are converting their houses into homestays and allowing tourists to experience the culture and heritage of the Gurez Valley. All these hoteliers and guest house owners are profiting from the tourist arrivals. There are numerous camp sites across the Gurez valley run by the locals. The trekkers from across the world have been visiting and hiking the mountains of the himalayan region. ''We opened in the month of May and we have been able to do a business of around 9 lakh rupees. All the hotels and guest houses were booked. This place had ceasefire violations, shelling but from the last few years it has become peaceful, and it has also become a tourist hub. We are sure our future is bright and there is a lot of talent here. Kashmir is the real heaven and now people are finding new places in the valley to visit. We could have not done anything without the help of the Indian army. The army interacted with the tourists and gave them a different experience of the place,'' said Mohsin Lone, hotelier. Also read | Delhi man leaves 77-page suicide note, details how he killed his mother The Tourism department has been holding festivals and promoting these destinations through road shows and campaigning across India. The tourism department has been helping the locals to convert their houses into homestays. Earlier, people required permission to go to Gurez valley from administration and security forces, which is not required anymore. ''Gurez has become a prominent destination and I want to congratulate the people of Gurez for getting a national award for best offbeat destination. We want to showcase the culture and ethnic varieties of the Gurez to the tourists from across the country and world. It's a paradise of ethnic varieties. We have done it. Gurez has become a great destination for the tourists. We are promoting the places and showcasing this to tourists. We are taking new initiatives and we have got a great response from people. The benefit of the tourism boom will be for the locals of the place,'' said G N Ito, Director of Tourism. The locals of the Gurez valley are welcoming the tourists with open arms. They have opened their homes to tourists across the world. With the main motive of showcasing the culture and ethnic values of the people of the Gurez.

Indian army along with administration help make Gurez the best offbeat tourist destination in India

Gurez, a picturesque&nbsp;valley just a few kilometres away from the Line of Control (LoC) in the border district of district Bandipora, remain cut off from rest of&nbsp;Kashmir for&nbsp;the past four months because of heavy snowfall. The people of the area live in miserable conditions during this four months and suffer most&nbsp;because of ill health care.&nbsp;

On 31st of&nbsp;January, a seven-year-old boy from the area complained of acute pain in the abdomen. Seeing his unbearable pain, parents admitted him to a hospital in&nbsp;Gurez. Though the hospital was well-equipped, nobody was there&nbsp;to operate the facilities&nbsp;available. A junior&nbsp;doctor present diagnosed that the child was suffering from appendicitis and needed to be operated upon immediately&nbsp;which was not possible at the hospital. The doctor&nbsp;suggested the parents of the seven-year-old boy to shift&nbsp;him to Srinagar. However, even that was not possible as the road was closed due to bad weather. The chopper service was also not operational for the last three days due to the&nbsp;continuous&nbsp;snowfall and cloudy weather.&nbsp;

At this difficult&nbsp;time when helpless parents were seeing their&nbsp;kid in unbearable&nbsp;pain and not been able to&nbsp;do anything, Indian&nbsp;army came forward to help. A local army unit located in Gurez signalled the IAF base in Srinagar&nbsp;and requested for the helicopter&nbsp;to airlift the child to Srinagar.

Srinagar-based defence&nbsp;spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said that the seven-year-old&nbsp;Taufik&nbsp;suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care. Due to non-availability of adequate medicare in the area, he had to be shifted to Srinagar for treatment. The message for shifting&nbsp;was received at the Air Force Station, Srinagar, at night. The crew along with a helicopter was put on standby. However, bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne the next morning,&rdquo; the defence spokesman said.

He said the helicopter was then assigned to&nbsp;another assignment.

&ldquo;On its way back from the assignment, the helicopter crew received a message that the weather at Gurez had improved to marginal. The helicopter was diverted to the landing site. After the successful landing, Taufik and his father were picked up despite continuous snowfall and low clouds and moved to Srinagar,&rdquo; the spokesman said.

And boy&#39;s life was saved with the help of Indian Air Force and he was taken to Srinagar for treatment on February 1 where his&nbsp;condition is stable.

Local residents of Gurez and family members of Tawfiq thanked the air forces. Taufiq&#39;s father&nbsp;Ghulam Rasool Lone thanked the Army especially the rescue team&nbsp;of the Air Force, who undertook a &#39;risky landing&#39; to save the child&#39;s life in that bad weather condition. &#39;&#39;If Air Force personnel did not come forward to&nbsp;help, my&nbsp;child would have died. Due to their swift action&nbsp;my child survived,&#39;&#39; he said.&nbsp;

Cursing the local administration&nbsp;he said &quot;Pawan Hans Chopper Service, started by the administration is a failure&nbsp;when the army helicopter landed, why can&#39;t they? According to the Lone, people there have to face such situation in every winter.

Another resident Mohammad Snaullah Lone, a teacher by profession said &quot;We have a nice hospital which is well equipped&nbsp;but there is no one to handle the&nbsp;equipment. There are no expert technicians&nbsp;and doctors.&#39;&#39; He further complained that a&nbsp;few weeks back doctors&nbsp;were transferred&nbsp;to that place but no one joined as they are having political&nbsp;connections and don&#39;t want to come&nbsp;to&nbsp;such a remote&nbsp;area&quot;. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said, '7-year-old Taufik, who lives in Gurez, suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care'

Gurez, a picturesque valley just a few kilometres away from the Line of Control (LoC) in the border district of district Bandipora, remain cut off from rest of Kashmir for the past four months because of heavy snowfall. The people of the area live in miserable conditions during this four months and suffer most because of ill health care. On 31st of January, a seven-year-old boy from the area complained of acute pain in the abdomen. Seeing his unbearable pain, parents admitted him to a hospital in Gurez. Though the hospital was well-equipped, nobody was there to operate the facilities available. A junior doctor present diagnosed that the child was suffering from appendicitis and needed to be operated upon immediately which was not possible at the hospital. The doctor suggested the parents of the seven-year-old boy to shift him to Srinagar. However, even that was not possible as the road was closed due to bad weather. The chopper service was also not operational for the last three days due to the continuous snowfall and cloudy weather. At this difficult time when helpless parents were seeing their kid in unbearable pain and not been able to do anything, Indian army came forward to help. A local army unit located in Gurez signalled the IAF base in Srinagar and requested for the helicopter to airlift the child to Srinagar. Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said that the seven-year-old Taufik suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night and needed immediate medical care. Due to non-availability of adequate medicare in the area, he had to be shifted to Srinagar for treatment. The message for shifting was received at the Air Force Station, Srinagar, at night. The crew along with a helicopter was put on standby. However, bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne the next morning,” the defence spokesman said. He said the helicopter was then assigned to another assignment. “On its way back from the assignment, the helicopter crew received a message that the weather at Gurez had improved to marginal. The helicopter was diverted to the landing site. After the successful landing, Taufik and his father were picked up despite continuous snowfall and low clouds and moved to Srinagar,” the spokesman said. And boy's life was saved with the help of Indian Air Force and he was taken to Srinagar for treatment on February 1 where his condition is stable. Local residents of Gurez and family members of Tawfiq thanked the air forces. Taufiq's father Ghulam Rasool Lone thanked the Army especially the rescue team of the Air Force, who undertook a 'risky landing' to save the child's life in that bad weather condition. ''If Air Force personnel did not come forward to help, my child would have died. Due to their swift action my child survived,'' he said. Cursing the local administration he said "Pawan Hans Chopper Service, started by the administration is a failure when the army helicopter landed, why can't they? According to the Lone, people there have to face such situation in every winter. Another resident Mohammad Snaullah Lone, a teacher by profession said "We have a nice hospital which is well equipped but there is no one to handle the equipment. There are no expert technicians and doctors.'' He further complained that a few weeks back doctors were transferred to that place but no one joined as they are having political connections and don't want to come to such a remote area".

Indian Air Force saves 7-year-old boy from snowbound Gurez Valley

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