Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal,Mar 27 (KNO): Once a vibrant hub bustling with activity, Gagangir, located just 11 kilometers before Sonamarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, now wears a deserted look. The roads from Rezan to Gagangir, which once saw hundreds of vehicles daily, are now eerily quiet, with children playing cricket where traffic once flowed. This stark decline in activity after bypassing the traffic from Sonamarg Tunnel has severely impacted the local businesses and livelihoods as well.
Gagangir is home to a dozen hotels that once employed hundreds of workers, providing a source of income for families in the region. However, with the sharp drop in tourist traffic, the hotel owners have been forced to lay off employees, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the local traders have expressed deep concern over the situation.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) in developing parks in Gagangir, which generate annual revenue worth millions, they believe more needs to be done to revive the area’s appeal.
Traders said that if the tourism department takes proactive steps to further beautify Gagangir, it could attract tourists back to the area, boosting both local businesses and SDA revenue.
Residents highlight that Gagangir is a naturally beautiful destination with immense potential to attract visitors. However, they stress the need for additional efforts to enhance its charm and make it a more appealing stop for tourists.
They are urging the government to take immediate measures for the development and beautification of the area, which they believe will help revive its tourism potential and provide much-needed support to local businesses.
The opening of the Sonamarg Tunnel, while a significant infrastructure achievement, has inadvertently created challenges for Gagangir, the locals said.—(KNO)