A Harsh Reality: When Tourism Fails, What’s Next for Kashmir?
“Many people have been laid off because there’s less work” — a sentence we’re hearing far too often in Kashmir these days.
Over the last few years, we have forcefully tied our hopes and livelihoods to tourism.
- Some sold their ancestral land and bought cars to serve tourists.
- Some invested in land and constructed guest houses.
- Others opened carpet showrooms and dry fruit shops, hoping that tourism would keep the economy running.
But in our pursuit of quick returns, we forgot one very important truth — this is Kashmir. A place where everything can change overnight. Tourism here is not guaranteed. Political instability, sudden lockdowns, weather extremes — anything can disrupt it.
A Call for Empathy and Action
We need to rethink how we deal with crises.
Instead of removing employees entirely, employers should consider partial salary cuts. That way, everyone can still earn something to feed their families. Cutting manpower is not the only solution.
Time to Return to Our Roots
Let’s face it — we have become over-dependent on a fragile industry.
The truth is, Kashmir is an agriculture-based state. Our valley has immense potential in:
- Farming
- Horticulture
- Food processing
- Agricultural exports
It’s time to shift our focus back to these sustainable sectors. Whether it’s primary agriculture, secondary processing, or tertiary services, each level holds the power to revive our economy long-term.
A Message of Hope and Faith
“La yukallifullahu nafsan illa wus’aha”
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286)
Yes, these are tough times — but we, the people of Kashmir, are tougher. We have weathered decades of instability, conflict, and loss. We are still standing.
So let us not lose hope. Let us remember:
“Your future will be better than your past.” — Qur’an 93:4
Environmental Impact of Uncontrolled Tourism
While tourism brings income, we must also acknowledge its negative side:
- Destruction of forests
- Loss of biodiversity
- Rising pollution
If we don’t strike a balance, we risk losing the very beauty that tourists come here to see.
Conclusion: Let’s Rebuild Wisely
The recent blow to the tourism industry has deeply affected Kashmir’s economy. Businesses have shut down. People are struggling. The region’s instability continues to haunt investments.
But we can change our direction — by:
- Diversifying our economy
- Supporting local agriculture
- Embracing remote work opportunities
Let’s stop placing all our bets on one sector. Let’s rebuild — not just with hope, but with wisdom, planning, and unity.
May Allah make things better for all of us. Ameen.