Poonch, a district often in the news for its cross-border conflicts, is now on a transformative journey to change its narrative. Nestled within the breathtaking mountains of Pir Panjal, on the border with Rajouri, Poonch has historically faced challenges that have overshadowed its true potential. However, the people of this region are determined to reshape the perception of Poonch. They seek to shift the focus from conflict to a brighter, more promising future, where tourism plays a pivotal role. As we celebrate World Tourism Day today, let’s delve into the evolving tourism landscape of Pir Panjal and the aspirations of its people for a better tomorrow.
Recently, after a successful meeting of the G20 Tourism Group, the world’s attention has turned towards the heavenly paradise, Kashmir, and the Pir Panjal and Chenab regions. Tourists are beginning to flock in, exemplified by a recent initiative where the District Development Commissioner of Poonch sent a team from India Hikes to explore the Pir Panjal region and discover new tourist spots. Local youth, too, have embarked on treks to the highest peaks of Pir Panjal, unveiling potential tourist destinations.
In addition to these initiatives, commendable efforts are underway for tourism development in Poonch and Rajouri districts. It is our hope that as the district administration and development authorities continue their efforts to promote tourism, not only will the Pir Panjal region flourish in the coming years, but also new employment opportunities will emerge, providing a livelihood for local unemployed youth.
What is essential now is to ensure unwavering commitment to promoting tourism development in Pir Panjal, as time is of the essence. A comprehensive exploration of the numerous tourist attractions and historical sites in Pir Panjal would require an extensive article. The author’s previous piece, “How Beneficial Are G20 Summits for the Peer Panjal Region?” highlighted the need for promoting tourism in the area, alongside mentioning key tourist and historical sites.
The role played by writers, who have been trained by Charkha Development Communication Network – a non-profit organization working with rural youth to increase their participation and representation in the mainstream media, is noteworthy. Their continuous series of articles has been instrumental in shaping the focus towards tourism development in Pir Panjal. We must extend our appreciation to the district officers for their exemplary work under the guidance of the esteemed LG Manoj Sinha.
The district administration of Poonch, under the leadership of District Development Commissioner Yasin Muhammad Chaudhary and CEO of Poonch Development Authority, Dr. Muhammad Tanveer, has organized numerous programs to promote tourism throughout the district. Notably, five villages in Tehsil Mandi, Poonch, have been designated as tourism villages.
Eminent educationist Muhammad Arif emphasizes that the work done in recent months regarding tourism in Poonch is just the beginning. The district boasts a wide array of tourist spots yet to be explored. He lauds the district administration, Poonch Tourism Development Authority, and especially DC Poonch for their dedication to this cause. Arif believes that more immediate action is needed, with greater investments to be made in this direction. He also stresses the importance of public awareness about tourism.
Furthermore, initiatives such as rafting on the Suran River, a renowned river in Poonch, folk festivals in Jabhi, trekking expeditions to various Pir Panjal destinations, the establishment of selfie points in Mandi, and the installation of a 70-foot high national flag in the border village of Ajote, among others, have received commendation. The Gondola project from Loran to Gali Tosha Maidan and plans for specialized tourism hotspots for health promotion sites like Sankh Doda and Jabhi are equally noteworthy.
However, it is vital to recognize that as tourism grows in Pir Panjal, there is a need for responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We must learn from the experiences of other regions, such as Leh and Ladakh, where unchecked tourism growth has led to environmental degradation and cultural disruptions. In Pir Panjal, which is ecologically sensitive, it is imperative that we prioritize sustainability.
Responsible tourism in Pir Panjal means respecting the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. We should aim to minimize our ecological footprint, reduce waste, and support local communities. It is crucial to strike a balance between promoting tourism and preserving the pristine environment that makes Pir Panjal so unique.
In conclusion, all these initiatives deserve applause, and credit goes to the UT administration, the Indian Army, and all officers of the Poonch Development Authority, Rajouri Development Authority, and the Tourism Department of Jammu and Kashmir UT for their dedicated efforts.
Dr. Rehan Ahmed, a contractually appointed assistant professor in a college under the University of Kashmir, notes the significant changes witnessed in tourism this year compared to the previous one. These changes, occurring in just the past four months, include activities such as boating in the Poonch River, the heritage festival in Jabhi, and trekking expeditions that attracted trekkers from outside the state and local youth alike. Dr. Ahmed believes these events are a welcome development.
In the broader context of promoting tourism in Pir Panjal, Dr. Rehan also acknowledges the substantial contributions made by the Charkha organization and its writers. Their continuous series of articles by rural writers has played a crucial role in capturing the attention of officials towards this endeavor.
Social activist Rehana Rishi, a rural writer for Charkha and the first woman writer from the Pir Panjal region to be selected for Ladli Media National Fellowship, shares her views on the evolving tourism scene in Pir Panjal. She points out the significant changes occurring in Poonch regarding tourism. She commends DC Chaudhary’s visits to various tourist sites, where he assured the development of tourism infrastructure.
Rehana emphasizes that DC Chaudhary’s participation in the local grassroots activity called “Laitri” in Slotri village of Poonch is a testament to the multifaceted approach to tourism development. She highlights the installation of selfie points at various locations and the Gondola project sanctioned for the region as important steps in transforming tourism in Pir Panjal and Poonch.
This article is written by Sayed Anees Ul Haq who is Charkha’s Volunteer Trainer and has been leading writers group in Poonch, J&K for the last twelve years now. Share your feedback at connect@charkha.org.
