When I first dreamed of promoting tourism in Kashmir, I made a firm promise to myself: I would not only bring the world to Kashmir but also ensure that in doing so, I would strive to give our youth a secure future and keep our fragile environment alive for generations yet to come.
Kashmir is a name the world associates with unmatched beauty—snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, rushing rivers, and meadows that seem to belong to another age. But beneath this picture of paradise, dangers are quietly growing. Unchecked construction threatens to scar our landscapes, plastic waste is choking our rivers, and concrete is rising in places where meadows once breathed freely. If this trend continues, the very essence of Kashmir—the pristine nature that draws visitors from across the world—may slip away before our eyes.
Nowhere is this danger more visible than in Gurez, a valley tucked away in the northern mountains. For centuries, Gurez has been known for its raw, unspoiled charm—a land where mountains meet the sky, where the Kishanganga River weaves its silver thread through villages, and where Dard-Shina culture keeps alive a unique heritage. But today, a new threat looms here: the rise of multi-storey buildings that block the very mountain views visitors come to see.
“Our mountains are not just part of the scenery; they are the very identity of Gurez—the living postcard that visitors carry in their hearts when they leave. To block them from view is to erase the valley’s soul.”
Our mountains are not just part of the scenery; they are the identity of Gurez. They are the living postcard that people carry in their hearts when they leave. To replace open vistas with cement and glass is to trade away the soul of the valley for short-term profit. If we allow this unchecked development to continue, Gurez will risk losing its magic and becoming just another crowded town.
My Work with the Youth
My journey often takes me to Gurez, where I spend time with young people—listening to their dreams, guiding them, and helping them recognize the immense value of the land beneath their feet. I remind them constantly: tourism will only be a blessing if it walks hand-in-hand with nature.
The youth are the heartbeat of Gurez. If they learn today how to protect their mountains, rivers, and forests, they will not just secure jobs for themselves—they will inherit and preserve a living paradise. Tourism, after all, is one of the largest industries in the world. And in Gurez, if nurtured responsibly, it can be the engine that powers the local economy.
Opportunities abound: running cozy homestays, guiding treks into pristine mountains, selling handmade crafts that carry cultural stories, offering local delicacies to visitors eager to taste authenticity. The possibilities are endless—but they all depend on one thing: keeping paradise as paradise.
The Threat of Multi-Storey Construction
Among all the challenges, the unchecked rise of multi-storey buildings is perhaps the most dangerous. At first glance, these towers may seem to offer convenience—more beds for tourists, larger spaces for businesses. But in truth, they rob Gurez of the very views and serenity that make people want to come here in the first place.
Our mountains should never be hidden behind walls of cement and glass. They are not obstacles to development; they are development. They are what sustain tourism, provide water, regulate climate, and hold the memory of generations. To block them from sight is to erase Gurez from the imagination of the world. Once the mountains disappear from the visitor’s view, so too will the magic—and with it, the promise of a sustainable tourism economy.
“Tourism can indeed open countless doors for the youth of Gurez—as mountain guides, artisans, storytellers, and guardians of heritage—but only if it is rooted in respect for the land.”
Sustainable Tourism: Jobs and Nature Together
Tourism in Gurez can indeed open countless doors for the youth: as mountain guides, artisans, storytellers of culture, keepers of heritage, and guardians of nature. But this can only happen if tourism is rooted in respect for the land.
Real tourism is not about crowds—it is about care. Sustainable tourism means small-scale architecture that blends with the environment, eco-friendly homestays that provide comfort without destroying heritage, and strict systems for waste management before mass tourism ever takes hold.
As travelers, too, each of us has a role. In Gurez, you can choose to stay in traditional wooden homestays that combine modern comfort with the charm of heritage. You can support eco-friendly huts and tents that merge seamlessly into the landscape rather than dominate it. You can relish the taste of local trout, warm makai ki roti, fragrant kehwa, and the living traditions of Dard-Shina culture. Above all, you can respect the valley by leaving no plastic behind, keeping noise to a minimum, and remembering that you are not just entering a tourist spot—you are stepping into someone’s home.
A Message to the Government and Tourism Department
If we are truly serious about protecting Gurez, certain steps are urgent and non-negotiable:
- Strictly ban multi-storey construction that hides or damages mountain views.
- Formulate policies that balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
- Equip youth with professional skills in hospitality, guiding, and eco-tourism.
- Build strong systems of waste disposal and recycling before mass tourism arrives.
Tourism cannot come at the cost of the land itself. If the land suffers, so will the industry. The government and local authorities must act now—while there is still time.
“I dream of a Gurez where mountains stand unhidden, rivers run pure, and the laughter of children echoes across meadows because they know their heritage is safe.”
My Dream for Gurez
I dream of a Gurez that the world visits not merely to see, but to learn from—a living example of how mountains, rivers, culture, and people can thrive together in harmony.
I dream of a valley where the mountains stand unhidden, where the Kishanganga runs pure and unpolluted, where the air carries the crisp scent of pine, and where the laughter of children echoes across meadows because they know their heritage is safe.
This is not just our land—it is our legacy. And together, with care and responsibility, we must protect it.
“If we lose the mountains, we lose not just tourism—we lose ourselves.”
Shabnam Bashir is author of the book ‘Unexplored Kashmir’ and a Tourism Researcher & Promoter. She can be reached at chshabnam32@gmail.com
Comments are closed.