Naveed Ul Haq Ganaie
Budgam, Feb 17 : The scenic tourist destination of Doodhpathri in central Kashmir’s Budgam district reopened on Tuesday after remaining closed for nearly 10 months, bringing relief and renewed hope to hundreds of families dependent on tourism.
The reopening was announced by the Lieutenant Governor through a post on his official X handle, following which tourists began arriving at the meadow destination.
Locals, including tea stall owners, pony walas, guides, and small traders, welcomed the move and expressed gratitude to the LG-led administration for resuming tourism activities.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), several residents said the prolonged closure had severely affected their earnings, as the majority of families in the area rely directly or indirectly on tourism. “We are highly thankful to the LG administration for reopening Doodhpathri. For the past 10 months, we had no source of income. Our livelihood depends entirely on tourists,” said a local tea stall owner.
Pony service providers said the decision has brought hope to many families. “We earn only when tourists visit. With the reopening, we expect our income to improve. We assure the administration that we will follow all rules and cooperate fully,” a pony wala said.
A couple from Maharashtra, who were among the first visitors to reach Doodhpathri after the reopening, said they were happy to see the destination accessible again.
“We feel safe and very happy to be here. We thank the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration for reopening this beautiful place,” the couple told KNO, adding that the atmosphere was peaceful and security arrangements appeared satisfactory.
Local shopkeepers shared similar sentiments, stating that the reopening will revive economic activity in Doodhpathri.
They said there is no need to politicise the issue and credited the administration for taking the decision in the interest of the public. “We welcome this step wholeheartedly and will ensure that all guidelines are strictly followed to maintain safety and discipline,” another local said.
With the reopening of Doodhpathri, residents hope tourist footfall will increase in the coming days, helping the area’s tourism sector regain momentum
