Abrar Nabi
Srinagar, Sep 2 Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has urged the Budgam district administration to immediately reopen the tourist resort Yousmarg, citing severe economic distress faced by locals dependent on tourism for their survival.
In a communication to the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam accessed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), the Lok Sabha member said a delegation of residents from Yousmarg had recently met him and expressed “serious concern” over the continued restrictions, especially when other tourist hotspots across the Union Territory are functioning normally.
“The local residents expressed serious concern that when other major tourist destinations in Jammu & Kashmir are open and receiving visitors, Yousmarg should also be considered for reopening, subject to all necessary safety and administrative protocols,” the MP said in his letter.
Describing tourism as the “primary source of livelihood” for the area, MP Mehdi pointed out that pony operators, horse riders, hoteliers, shopkeepers, transporters and tour guides have been the worst hit by the prolonged curbs, with many families struggling to make ends meet.
“In view of the above, I request your good office to kindly examine the matter on priority and take appropriate steps for reopening Yousmarg for tourists, if there are no prevailing security or administrative constraints,” he wrote.
He further appealed to the administration to give “due consideration” to the livelihood concerns of the local population while taking any decision.
Yousmarg a tourist destination in central Kashmir’s Budgam district remained largely inaccessible to tourists since security measures were tightened following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Although authorities had allowed limited movement earlier this year, the flow of visitors has remained negligible, dealing a crippling blow to the local economy.
Notably, Local stakeholders have repeatedly demanded the removal of restrictions, warning that the continued shutdown could push many families into irreversible financial ruin. (KNS)
