New Delhi, Sep 22: Months after terrorists wreaked havoc in Pahalgam, scared away tourists and brought India and Pakistan on the brink of war, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is witnessing a slow but steady revival of tourism. Besides the tourists showing renewed interest in Kashmir’s picturesque and sprawling locations, the government’s efforts towards rekindling hope among the local population and determination to restore normalcy in the Valley with modern infrastructure, speaks a lot about its focus and resolve.
While India punished Pakistan for the dastardly act of terror, the Centre and J&K administration went an extra mile to address the problems of families affected, displaced and scarred by cross-border shelling, during the ‘Operation Sindoor’. The J&K administration is building free houses for families affected by Pakistani shelling, thereby prioritising hope and compassion over fear and a humanitarian approach over vengeful means. Local reports suggest that a landmark agreement was signed post the Pahalgam attack, between High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) and Divisional Commissioners of J&K. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paves the way for building 1,500 free houses across the Union Territory, specifically for those whose homes were damaged during ‘Operation Sindoor’, floods, and also by acts of militancy. The houses will not be mere shelters, they will be smart three-bedroom houses and also equipped with features for comfort, safety, and sustainability. The objective behind this move is to build houses for the displaced and restore the dignity and respect of thousands of families. Also, the all-weather train connectivity between Srinagar and the main landmass will prove to be a gamechanger in transforming the economy of the region, whose mainstay remains travel and tourism.