"Pahalgam Bustling With Activity": Omar Abdullah On Tourism Revival
Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said the efforts put in by him and his colleagues for the revival of tourism in Kashmir are bearing fruit, as tourists are returning to the Valley.
'The last time I was in Pahalgam, I cycled through a market that was all but deserted. Today, I came back to a Pahalgam that was bustling with activity.
'Tourists from various parts of the country competed for space with local picnickers who were enjoying the cool climate and rainy weather," Mr Abdullah said in a post on X, expressing satisfaction over the revival of tourism in Pahalgam.
Tourism in Pahalgam was badly hit after the April 22 terror attack at the Baisaran meadow, which killed 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator.
"It's very satisfying to see the efforts my colleagues and I have been putting in slowly bearing fruit," Mr Abdullah said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
40 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Odisha plans to ease forest, wildlife restrictions to boost tourism; experts call it dangerous
The Odisha government is seeking to ease environmental restrictions to promote tourism inside and around some of its most ecologically sensitive regions, including national parks, tiger reserves, coastal zones and Ramsar wetlands, according to government records. Legal and conservation experts say this move undermines forest, wildlife and biodiversity laws and tribal rights. According to minutes of a high-level meeting chaired by the Odisha Chief Secretary on May 30, the State plans to revisit and amend Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notifications to remove clauses prohibiting construction and commercial activities. It also plans to request the Centre to allow forest land to be used for non-site-specific purposes such as hospitality infrastructure and to re-examine Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) classifications to accommodate more tourism projects along the coast. ESZs are buffer areas created around protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to protect wildlife and biodiversity from harmful human activities such as mining, construction and polluting industries. Activities like farming, eco-tourism and the use of renewable energy are usually allowed with restrictions. The minutes note that the current "no commercial/no construction" clause in ESZ notifications "does not accurately reflect the enabling spirit" of the 2011 guidelines issued by the Centre. "ESZs notified/to be notified should be discussed with the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the tourism master plan should be taken into consideration," the MoM read. The State has decided to set up an empowered committee under the chairpersonship of the additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, with the commissioner-cum-secretary, DoT; PCCF and HoFF; PCCF (Wildlife); director, environment; CEO, Chilika Development Authority; field directors of Satkosia, Bhitarkanika and Similipal; director, Nandankanan Zoo; managing director, IDCO; chief engineer, building; managing director, Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation as members and the director, Tourism, as the member convener. However, independent ecologists, wildlife scientists or tribal representatives are absent from the panel. The committee will meet every two months to discuss issues relating to tourism projects vis-a-vis forest clearance and ESZs. Experts say Odisha's move could allow economic interests to shape regulatory frameworks meant for ecological protection and mark a dangerous departure from India's legal and ecological commitments. "The State is the constitutional trustee of forests and wildlife, with a mandate to safeguard these natural assets," Debadityo Sinha, Lead - Climate & Ecosystems at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, said. "A directive that requires states to merely 'take into consideration' the tourism master plan while notifying Eco-Sensitive Zones raises serious concerns. It implies that economic interests may override ecological imperatives," he said. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 prohibits commercial construction inside national parks and sanctuaries unless it directly supports conservation or is part of approved low-impact tourism. Forest land diversion for non-site-specific purposes such as resorts would require forest clearance under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and the consent of local Gram Sabhas under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The State's proposal to remove ESZ construction restrictions is also at odds with the June 2022 directions of the Supreme Court mandating a minimum one-kilometre buffer around all protected areas to safeguard wildlife habitats. Mr. Sinha said the State's plan also contradicts the National Forest Policy, 1988, which clearly states that the derivation of direct economic benefit must be subordinate to environmental stability and the maintenance of ecological balance. "The push to expand tourism infrastructure and create exemptions for commercial activities is at odds with the spirit of the National Forest Policy, 1988," he said. "It also undermines the very rationale for notifying ESZs which is to function as shock absorbers around sanctuaries and national parks and protect ecological corridors among them." The State has also asked the Odisha Coastal Zone Management Authority to re-examine CRZ classifications to support tourism in areas having "extremely high potential". However, the minutes do not mention carrying capacity assessments, environmental impact studies or consultations with wetland authorities requirements especially critical in internationally recognised sites like Chilika Lake, a designated Ramsar wetland. "The same principle applies to CRZs for coastal areas and Ramsar sites for wetlands, where the focus should remain on ecological preservation," Mr. Sinha said. "There appears to be no discussion on ecological assessments such as carrying capacity studies, strategic environmental impact assessments or any scientific evaluation of the consequences of tourism activities on natural ecosystems and wildlife." "Such vague and arbitrary administrative directions not only violate statutory mandates under forest and wildlife laws, but also risk setting a dangerous precedent. They jeopardise Odisha's rich biodiversity and undermine both national and international obligations,' Mr. Sinha added.
India.com
40 minutes ago
- India.com
Binoculars Ready? These Saltwater Lakes Near Mumbai Are A Birdwatcher's Dream
Mumbai stands as India's financial capital whereas it maintains its reputation for representing diverse natural life in addition to its metropolitan development. Various saltwater lakes located in and around the city areas function as key shelters both for visiting migratory birds as well as resident species. Multiple birdwatchers from national regions visit these lakes since they offer exceptional ecosystems together with diverse bird populations. Five excellent saltwater lakes exist in proximity to Mumbai that provide perfect environments for bird observation. 1. Thane Creek Thane Creek exists as a major tidal water feature that draws numerous birdwatchers to its location close to Mumbai. The tidal estuary stretches about 26 km during which freshwater waters meet ocean water resulting in a brackish environment. The site holds approximately 200 bird species together with flamingos along with herons and egrets and sandpipers among others. Generations of northern pintails and common teals arrive at this location together with ospreys during winter months. The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary provides guided tours with observation points for everyone who wants to experience the sanctuary along the creek. 2. Bhandup Pumping Station Wetlands The Bhandup Pumping Station Wetlands established their reputation among birdwatchers who visit the eastern Mumbai suburb. A modern-built wetland facility filters sewage water as it journeys toward the ocean to create valuable nutrition that attracts plenty of birds to settle in. Attractions at this site accommodate more than 150 documented bird species where one can spot painted storks and black-winged stilts and spot-billed ducks. This site attracts millions of birdwatchers because of its large flamingo migration which happens exclusively in winter. 3. Navi Mumbai Wetlands Various saline water bodies make up the Navi Mumbai Wetlands with Kharghar Wetlands and Nerul Backwaters among the main instances. Migratory birds utilizing the Central Asian Flyway depend on these essential resting places located in the wetlands. Visitors can easily observe greater flamingo birds together with Eurasian curlews along with ruddy shelducks at this location. The wetlands in Navi Mumbai support many wading bird species including red-wattled lapwings and pied kingfishers. Local authorities and NGOs direct their conservation efforts toward safeguarding these environmentally susceptible areas against the advancing urban development. 4. Airoli Lake Birdwatchers visiting Airoli Lake in the Airoli district of Navi Mumbai will discover an excellent opportunity to observe various species. All year round resident and migratory birds choose the shallow saltwater lake as their home. Residents can often spot little egrets together with purple herons and Indian moorhens within this area. The monsoon season makes the lake an optimal environment for selected species of birds to reproduce and establish their habitat. Nature enthusiasts who need a break from urban hustle can find complete peace at this location with its peaceful environment. 5. Seawoods Lake The Seawoods area in Navi Mumbai contains a lesser-known bird watching spot at Seawoods Lake which offers rewarding experiences to nature enthusiasts. The saltwater environment of the lake sustains different kinds of aquatic plants and animals that draw white-throated kingfishers along with common coots and whiskered terns. Visitors will find Seawoods Lake suitable for observing wildlife at close range through its small area among other wetlands while offering peaceful secluded experiences. Birdwatchers achieve optimal success during their visits in the early morning because several species become active at that time. Conclusion Visitors can discover the abundant bird populations together with ecological wealth through exploring the saltwater lakes around Mumbai. Each different location within this area ranging from the celebrated flamingos at Thane Creek to the secluded Vikhroli Wetlands provides separate chances to experience birdwatching along with nature enjoyment. Conservation efforts receive our required backing through respectful sightseeing while preservation of these essential ecosystems becomes secured for upcoming generations. Any level of birding expertise will find exciting encounters with nature at these lakes that offer unique experiences for visitors.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Indian parents can't believe Gucci prices in hilarious video: ‘This much for one small bag?'
A travel content creator has documented the hilarious moment her family was left in disbelief after getting to know the cost of one Gucci bag. Vanathi S shared an Instagram video capturing her parents' reaction to the cost of one small bag from the high-end luxury label. An Indian family's shock at Gucci prices has amused thousands of viewers (Representational image) The incident occurred during the family's first international trip – they were all in Thailand when they happened to come across a Gucci store. Vanathi said that her Indian family walked into the Gucci store thinking it was just another bag shop and got the biggest culture shock. In her video, she wrote: 'The first culture shock my Indian family experienced on their very first international trip.' Gucci prices shock desi parents In the video, the family was seen walking into the showroom and inquiring about the cost of a small bag. On being told that it was priced at 72,000 baht ( ₹ 1.8 lakh approximately), they turned around and walked back out. Once outside the Gucci showroom, the family expressed their disbelief at the high prices. '72,000 for one small bag? I could take 10 trips to Thailand for that,' one bemused woman was heard saying. A man, on the other hand, was stunned to hear the price. 'For a second, I thought that was the price of the whole showroom,' he quipped. Sharing the video on Instagram, Vanathi (@theuntoldtrails) wrote: 'I've always believed that memories are worth more than things. Luxury is nice, but for me… nothing beats chasing sunsets in a new country, getting lost in a mountain village, or sharing a meal with strangers who become friends.' Her clip has managed to amuse hundreds of viewers, having racked up a million views in one day. 'I love how he thought it was the cost of the entire store. So cute,' wrote one person in the comments section. 'Indian parents are pro based on expenses,' another said.
