Badamwari springs back to life
Srinagar, Jun 20: One of the famous gardens in Srinagar, Badamwari is witnessing hustle and bustle as tourists and locals are thronging it.
Badamwari reopened after nearly two months of closure in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. The garden, located on the foothills of Hari Parbat, had remained shut since May after security concerns escalated around Kashmir’s tourist spots.
The garden was officially thrown open for the public recently, much to the relief of locals and tourists alike. Since its reopening, Badamwari has started witnessing a massive rush of both local and non-local visitors. Families, youth, and photography enthusiasts have begun thronging the garden, eager to reclaim their cherished recreational spot.
“We longed for this day as the heatwave left us with no option for outings. We used to come here often during summer, and we are so happy the garden is finally open again. It’s a beautiful escape in the heart of the city,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a Srinagar resident.
The visitors said that Badamwari holds a special place in Srinagar’s social and cultural fabric. They said it serves as a green retreat for thousands of people living in the surrounding localities and a major attraction for visitors from across Kashmir and the rest of India. They said that the closure during the peak of the tourist season not only dampened spirits but also hit the livelihoods of several people who rely on the garden’s footfall for their income.
“I was overjoyed when I heard Badamwari was open again. Without wasting time, I made a plan with my friends and we came here the very next day. There is no other place like it in the city, especially during this hot weather.” said Faizan Ahmad, a tourist from south Kashmir’s Anantnag.
Meanwhile, dozens of photographers, snack vendors, ice cream sellers, and souvenir hawkers depend on the garden’s daily rush to earn a living. They said that the reopening has revived their hopes and restored their source of income.
“I had been jobless for weeks after Badamwari was shut. Our work is entirely dependent on visitors. The reopening brought us back to business. Not just photographers like me, even tea sellers, ice cream vendors, and nearby shopkeepers suffered. This garden supports so many families,” said Parvaiz Ahmad, a Photographer.
With the garden now open, residents and visitors alike are making the most of the opportunity amid its serene ambience as Kashmir reels under an intense heatwave.
