Much developmental work has been done in the Kashmir Valley. But more has to be done before the people in the Valley can see the light at the end of the tunnel
If there is truly heaven on earth, it is definitely in the Kashmir Valley. Even today, despite rampant felling of trees, it is still the most scenic place in India. Its untouched beauty leaves one awestruck. I have lived in the Valley during the 70s. The weather was brilliant and the State not ravaged by militancy. Thousands visited the Valley — it was a hotspot for tourists. The people were courteous and hospitable giving it an added appeal. It was not just the place and the people, even their food is so elaborate. Interestingly, even the Kashmiri Pandits are non-vegetarians and their very elaborate meal that consists of several dishes is called the Wazwan.
last week, I visited the Valley — places like Gulmarg were full of tourists. Wanting to extend my stay became a problem. All flights were booked. Even hotels showed full occupancy. This was indeed a surprise. Even though there is police and Army presence Srinagar look like a fortress, it did not appear to deter either the tourists or the locals who went about their work.
The influx of visitors to the Valley, in the last few years has opened up the hospitality sector in the Valley and surrounding areas. A new five star hotel like the Khyber which is centrally heated runs to full-house in Gulmarg. Something that was unheard of in the 70s or even in the 90s. With its first-class amenities, the hotel can be compared to any other hotel in the world. The gondolas that start right from the doorstep of the hotel takes you up to a height of 13,000 feet. Once at the top, the sight is picture perfect — even more beautiful than Switzerland. The beauty here is untouched.
It was Emperor Akbar’s son Jahangir whose infatuation with Kashmir led to the creation of gardens in the Valley. Gardens like the Shalimar, the Nishat and Chashme Shahi were created. But the real development in the Valley took place during the Congress-led Government by Ghulam Nabi Azad. It was him who gave the place its beautiful tulip garden. Hundreds of people visit the Valley just to see the tulips in full bloom.
It is not just the tulips, the view of the Dal lake dotted with shikaras is striking. The Haj house has given the Haji’s a place of comfort. The air conditioned complex with visa facilities has made travelling easier. Much improvement has been made. The roads are well maintained and the tiny houses on the roadside now boast of selling artefacts. While the Omar Abdullah Government has been working for the betterment of the Valley, the jury is still out. May be the standards set by Azad are too high to match. Of course, the comparison is unfair. Azad is a firm administrator who concentrated development and ensured that every Kashmiri was back to working. But these are peripheral changes.
There is a down side as well. The real change has taken place in the youth of the Valley who has only seen violence and the presence of the Army and the police on every street. All they know is stone pelting and be part of street demonstrations. The fundamentalists have had their own agenda. The politicians, the bureaucrat and the police have been selfish.
What the State needs is a system where things function. The Valley needs development and it doesn’t mean constructing buildings. In some villages, people get to eat only one square meal. The youth wants to get rid of the grip that militancy has on them. They see a light at the end of the tunnel but it is a long journey. Support from the Centre and State will help in breaking the shackles of 20 years of terror.
Meanwhile, a newly constructed museum awaits for its artefacts and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The hospitals are dirty, in need of upgradation and qualified doctors. Though there have been a few cancellations in bookings after Afzal Guru’s hanging, the beauty of the Valley may keep the rest of the country away for sometime but not forever.