New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir is emerging out of the shadow of the “evil eye” and is on the verge of reclaiming its status as one of India’s leading tourism destinations, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday.
He also invited people from across the globe to explore the picturesque region popularly known as ‘paradise on earth’.
According to an official press release, speaking at the inauguration of the SATTE exhibition at Yashobhumi here, Abdullah highlighted J&K’s rich and diverse offerings beyond its famous tourist spots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam or religious pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath shrines.
Jammu and Kashmir offers a lot more to satisfy anyone from holiday makers to adventure sports lovers and influencers to social media enthusiasts, he said at the South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE).
The chief minister talked about improved connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of the country, including the direct rail link which is likely to start anytime soon.
“The shadow of evil eye resulted in a difficult time for J&K over the past 30 to 35 years but the region is now emerging out of it and is once again one of India’s prominent destinations for domestic tourism.
“International tourism is also picking up in spite of the difficulties that we have with travel advisories issued by various embassies and consulates,” Abdullah said, referring to the eruption of terrorism in early 1990.
Quoting famous Persian couplet “Gar firdaus, bar ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast (If there is paradise on this earth, it is here, it is here, it is here), Abdullah explained the cultural concept of ‘nazar’ (evil eye), suggesting that the region’s beauty has often been overshadowed by challenges.
He reminisced about the significance of J&K in Indian culture, mentioning that no honeymoon was complete without a stay on the houseboats of Dal Lake, and that Bollywood films often featured the region’s picturesque landscapes including mustard fields or from the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir.
However, the chief minister said that “Jammu and Kashmir is not resting on its laurels or trying to sell you a sob story…Jammu and Kashmir has something for everyone…Jammu and Kashmir is the right place now for any investment in the tourism industry”.
Abdullah asserted that J&K is a year-round destination, suitable for pilgrims, wedding celebrations, adventure seekers, and those looking to unwind in a scenic environment.
“Jammu is known as the city of temples, and there is significant potential for heritage and border tourism. Places like Gurez, once relatively unknown, are now among the fastest-growing tourist areas,” he said.
“…Kashmir border tourism on the Line of Control with Pakistan, whether we talk about Tangdhar, Machil, Karnah or Keran, these areas are seeing increasing numbers of visitors. J&K is about new meadows like Bangus and Doodhpathri,” he said.
The chief minister also referred to the potential of adventure tourism and said rafting in rivers, skiing in mountains, water skiing in Dal lake and Mansbal lake are yet to be fully explored.
“I have often said J&K is heaven on earth long before Kerala became God’s own country. Please look at J&K as a destination for your next holiday, for your next visit, or for holding your conference or seminar,” he said.
Abdullah pointed out the region’s increasing focus on wellness and sports tourism, referencing upcoming marathons planned for the area.
“We had the Kashmir marathon and full marathon last year, and this year we intend to start the Jammu half marathon and Jammu ultra marathon while continuing with the Kashmir marathon,” he said.
Highlighting improvements in connectivity, Abdullah noted that direct rail links between Kashmir and the rest of the country are expected to be operational soon.
“Travelling to Kashmir has become significantly easier than in the past when there were only a few flights connecting Delhi and Srinagar. Today, there are direct flights from various cities, and soon, rail connectivity will further enhance accessibility,” he added.
Concluding his speech, he extended an open invitation to the audience, saying, “Please give us a chance to host you. We will ensure you leave with unforgettable memories and experiences.”
Taking to X after the event, the chief minister wrote, “Today I took the @OfficialDMRC AirPort Express to get to Yashobhumi for the SATTE 2025 Tourism promotion event. 25 minutes in the train beats 1.5 hours in the car hands down & saves fuel & emissions. I’m not driving to Yashobhumi again.”
Govt need to work collectively to tide over water crisis in J&K: CM
Jammu and Kashmir is staring at a water crisis this year due to a massive deficit in rainfall, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday, calling for a more proactive approach and collective efforts towards water management and conservation.
Kashmir has witnessed a dry winter this year with an 80 percent deficit of rainfall overall this year, raising the possibility of drought in the valley this summer.
Abdullah said in a post on X, “J&K is staring at a water crisis this year. It’s not a recent phenomenon, actually it’s been building up for a few years now. While the government will have to adopt a more proactive approach for water management & conservation, it can’t just be a government centric approach. All of us residents of J&K will have to change the way we take water for granted.”
The chief minister said he will review the measures being taken by the concerned department to deal with the crisis.
“I’ll be reviewing the measures the Jal Shakti (PHE) Dept intends to take to deal with the developing crisis & I’ll also be talking to the people of J&K over the next few months about what we can do collectively,” he added.
According to officials, several water bodies are flowing below the zero level mark at many places while some springs in south Kashmir have dried up completely due to the receding water table.
An official at the Irrigation and Flood Control Department said the water level in Jhelum and several other water bodies was more than a metre below the usual water level for this time of the year.
“If it does not rain or snow in the next fortnight, there is a possibility of a crisis with regards to water for drinking and irrigation purposes,” he added.
Social media is flooded with videos and images of dried-up water bodies with Achabal springs in south Kashmir having dried up completely.
The river bed of Jhelum is visible at many places, especially upstream in south Kashmir areas while the water level downstream in north Kashmir is alarmingly low. The situation is similar in other major streams of the valley.
As per the data, Jammu and Kashmir received only 29.8 mm of rainfall between January 1 and February 12, compared to the normal 140 mm.
Among the districts, Kathua district is worst affected with a 97 percent shortage of rains. Jammu recorded a 94 percent deficit, followed by Udhampur and Samba at 92 percent. Srinagar witnessed an 82 percent rainfall deficit.
Shopian, Reasi, Ramban, Kulgam, Doda, Budgam and Anantnag reported a shortfall between 80 per cent and 89 per cent. Pulwama, Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla experienced rainfall deficits between 70 percent and 79 percent, while Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar and Ganderbal recorded a 60 percent to 69 percent deficiency.
Earlier while talking to PTI Video, CM Abdullah raised concern over the rainfall deficit and emphasised the urgency of preparing for these shortages.
Asked if he was facing any heat from the central government, Abdullah, who is also the National Conference vice-president, said in a lighter vein that he was more concerned about the weather and water shortage.
“There’s too much heat, not from the Centre, not from the lieutenant governor, not from any officer but from the weather,” the CM said.
Abdullah added on a serious note, “This heat is actually worrying me. If it continues, we will have a shortage of water during the summer. It is going to be our biggest problem, bigger than any other problem.”
He emphasised the urgency of preparing for these shortages and said he had called a meeting with the departments concerned to address the issue. Abdullah also said he was hoping for much-needed rain or snow in the coming days.
“I pray it rains or snows in the coming days. But at the moment, the day temperature feels like that of March or April. I am really fearful that this heat will have a direct impact on us,” he added. (With inputs from PTI)
