O Wind, If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind ~ P.B. Shelley
It was on 2nd September 2014 when Jammu & Kashmir witnessed unfortunate floods all across because of the heavy rainfall it received during the last phase of the monsoon season. On 5th September, the Jhelum River in Srinagar was seen flowing at 22.40 feet (6.83 meters) which was 4.40 feet (1.34 meters) above the danger mark.
Soon the valley was overrun with gushing water brought on by torrential rain and turbulent water Jhelum. The disastrous floods were accompanied by landslides leading to the devastation of this paradisiacal state. Many lives where lost, and the livelihood of people washed away. The time was tough…very tough…many pundits gave at least months, if not years, to recover this Himalayan paradise.
So what happened next?
What actually happened when the flood hit Jammu and Kashmir
Flood disaster in Kashmir (A National Calamity)
In September 2014, the “Paradise on Earth” Jammu and Kashmir were desolated by floods. The disastrous floods blew away with it 100s of people.
People who had to face this disastrous calamity are not mere victims of physical or material destruction but also psychological destruction with the loss of their dear ones. However, while physical and material destruction is being restored, there is an optimistic hope in every heart, which will soon wash away the pain from the heart of every victim.
The Resilient Kashmir Strikes Back: Tourism in Kashmir After Flood
The locals have found their way to relief with courage and constant effort. The people of Kashmir are resilient, and with the help of the government, army, and daring tourists, they are bouncing back, and normalcy is returning before it was expected. One thing that could really help the local economy right now is tourism. Yes! A boost in Tourism in Kashmir after the flood could go a long way in reviving the local economy and empowering locals with livelihood options.
How can we help Kashmir?
Many news channels and celebrities collaborated to help the victims of the Kashmir floods through TV shows and charity. In such a situation, where the critical destination of our country has witnessed a real bad time, we can return to the valley with a favor.
Amir Khan recounted on a television show how when he was visiting flood-affected Ladakh and asked how he could be of help. The locals pleaded with him to go back and promote and urge as many people as he could through as many channels to travel to Ladakh.
The logic they explained is then tourism is the mainstay of their economy. So if tourists return, it will help their local economy and help them earn livelihood and rebuild their community with dignity.
So, if we, too, want to help Kashmir in its moment of need, all we need to do is, visit Kashmir in huge numbers. It will help pump money into their economy, promote local business, create opportunities for small businesses like arts and crafts, and much more.
Let’s Plan for Kashmir Trip this Summer and be the hand of help!
Kashmir: A Pastiche of Paradise
Well-known as the ‘heaven on earth, Kashmir is one destination that calls every person with open arms to have a look at the natural beauty it houses. This beautiful place is set in the northwest region of India amid the Himalayas and Pir Panjal Ranges.
This charming place has a unique charm, making one enjoy their holiday to the fullest. The silvery streams, freshwater lakes, pine, and deodar forests, snow-capped mountains, sparkling waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, beautiful Shikaras, and grassy slopes add to the beauty of this place and enhance the colors of this place.
It is an ideal holiday destination where visitors can enjoy some time close to nature amid tranquility. Also, it is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country. With pleasant weather all around the year, this paradise on earth is a hard-to-miss destination.
Read Here:
Places in Kashmir that were not impacted by flood
We agree with the fact that it is not that easy to recover from a big disaster. But, Kashmir has a different story to it. Many areas of this valley were thankfully unaffected by the floods. Some of these areas include Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. The good thing is that these three destinations are counted among the star attractions of Kashmir.
Tourists, who canceled their holiday to these destinations due to the floods or are planning to visit any of them during this holiday season, can assure themselves of a comfortable and hassle-free holiday. Though the entire region is not in a danger zone, some areas of the valley are under restoration. Until then, tourists can visit the unaffected part and enjoy their holidays in the lap of nature.
Ecstatic Kashmir Tour
Gulmarg Sonamarg Pahalgam Tour
Kashmir Honeymoon Package
Kashmir & Ladakh TourAccommodation facilities in Kashmir after flood
To ensure the comfort of the tourists, the state government has been taking the required steps. While some of the hotels were affected to a large extent, many of them did not face any damage. So, tourists can assure themselves of safe and comfortable accommodation facilities. Moreover, tourists will not only be provided with comfortable accommodation, but the facilities will get cheaper to suit every budget.
Steps taken by government after flood in Kashmir
The central government and government of Jammu Kashmir have been taking the required steps to ensure an immediate and effective restoration process. Here is more:
- Telecom services that failed during the floods are slowly getting restored as the operators are resuming network connectivity in different parts of the region.
- The state government is constantly working on restoring power distribution in the Kashmir Valley.
- While fuel supply has been restored in Jammu, the stocks are on their way to the Kashmir Valley.
- Several roads, Water Supply Schemes (WSS), and bridges have been restored, which were destroyed by the floods.
- People who lost their crucial trade of Kashmiri apples are now in a stable position when the work has been restarted.
It is with the positive spirit and strength of the people that today, they look forward to a beautiful and easy-going lifestyle once again.
And this hope is not only for the locals but also the tourists who would visit the captivating Kashmir Valley. So it is time people pack up their bags and visit Kashmir and add that extra spark to the lives of the natives.
Weather Monitoring System in the State
The state government has set up a modern weather forecasting system in Jammu and Kashmir, generating accurate forecasts. It will act as an early warning system that constantly monitors the weather conditions and water levels of different rivers. With this, everyone can ensure their safety.
Some moving tourist experiences in Kashmir post flood
Experience of a Kolkata Family
Just after the floods, Supriti Das from Kolkata visited Kashmir with her family for a holiday. She shared her beautiful experience saying that she had a great time at the most alluring destination in the country. The locals who had just suffered from the disastrous floods welcomed her with a lot of warmth. Also, she said that the hoteliers ensured clean properties and surroundings for the tourists. She concluded by saying she was happy with her decision not to cancel her trip to Kashmir.
Experience of Canadian group
The scenic beauty of Kashmir swayed away from the hearts of a Canadian group, which in return promised to promote the ‘brand Kashmir’ when they were back home. Furthermore, they promised that they would recommend their fellow nationals to visit Kashmir at least once in their lifetime. The group also shared that they have visited every corner of the world, but Kashmir is a place correctly called the ‘Paradise on earth.
If, after reading this post, you want to help Kashmir make a come back and spread the word in the shortest possible time, and if you are traveling this holiday season, let Kashmir be the destination of your choice. At Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd., we are always eager to help. Even as we write this, our company’s managing director and his family will be off to Kashmir for a week-long holiday to support Kashmir tourism after a flood.
We lead by example and practice what we preach. So, for 24 years in your service and winners of 2 National Tourism Awards, this is us, the IHPL family signing off!
[If interested here’s Kashmir Travel Guide to give you a peek into the paradise]
Tanya Malik
Thinking this world is a gold mine, Tanya Malik believes, the more you travel, the more you discover. Travel Writer one day, shutterbug the other, author in making, she lives for love, food and travel. Expect tons about scenic beauty and food from the write-ups of this nature lover and foodie.
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