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Ecotourism Measures for Bangus Valley
Context:
The Jammu and Kashmir government announced a set of new rules for Bangus, a scenic tourist spot near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir, on March 6, 2025.
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- The move is part of an effort to develop Bangus as a sustainable ecotourism destination while preserving the region’s ecological balance.
- The announcement comes in response to the unplanned growth in concrete constructions in established tourist hotspots like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg.
Geography and Accessibility
- Bangus is located in Kupwara district and is about 100 km from Srinagar.
- The area features two bowl-shaped valleys at an altitude of 10,000 feet, offering scenic views.
- The region, historically a militant infiltration route, is now becoming a key addition to the growing list of tourist spots near the LoC, including Gurez, Machil, and Keran.
Key Highlights
- Focus on Ecotourism: Bangus will be developed as an ecotourism destination to maintain the area’s natural beauty. The development will avoid the construction of large buildings and hotels, which have contributed to uncontrolled urbanisation in other popular tourist areas of Kashmir.
- In Pahalgam, 269 unauthorised constructions were identified over the past two years. The Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) has been actively involved in demolition drives to curb illegal construction activities.
- Basic Infrastructure Development: Efforts will be made to establish basic recreation facilities such as: Rain shelters Public conveniences, Signages and lighting, and Waste disposal facilities.
- This infrastructure will aim to provide comfort for visitors while ensuring minimal ecological disruption.
- Support for Local Communities: The government aims to safeguard the livelihoods of local shepherds, nomads, and other inhabitants in the Bangus Valley.
- The Tourism Department has started registering paying guest houses in the area, providing an immersive travel experience that will also preserve local culture, traditions, and cuisine. Currently, 19 paying guest houses in the vicinity of Bangus have been registered with the Department of Tourism.
Significance of the Initiative
- Ecological Preservation: The emphasis on ecotourism and restricting large-scale constructions reflects a commitment to preserving Kashmir’s natural heritage.
- Cultural Immersion: By promoting local guest houses and cultural experiences, the initiative aims to create a more authentic tourism experience while supporting the local economy.
- Balanced Growth: The measures aim to strike a balance between promoting tourism and maintaining ecological sustainability, learning from the challenges faced by other tourist destinations in Kashmir.
