Locals urge authorities for restoring access to Vij Top, other tourist spots in Rafiabad

Baramulla, Jul 4: People in north Kashmir are voicing concerns over the continued ban on access to tourist destination like Vij Top in Rafiabad area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district, which has gained popularity among the tourists in the recent years.

While popular destinations like Gulmarg and Sranz waterfall in Baramulla district remain open, and attracts hundreds of tourists daily, however, many newly-emerging tourist spots, including Vij Top, remain inaccessible following a government ban imposed after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Jammu & Kashmir administration temporarily closed 48 out of 87 tourist destinations across the Union Territory. As of mid-June, the government has reopened 16 of the 48 closed destinations in a phased manner.

Arshad Ahmad, a local resident who is involved with the tourism sector in the Rafiabad area of Baramulla district, while urging the authorities to lift the temporary ban on visit to Vij top said that unexplored tourist destinations like Vij top, which provides unforgettable experience up to the Vij Top from Ladu Ladoora route, has successfully attracted thousands of tourists since last two years, needs special attention of the authorities as it has emerged a major employment generation in the area.

He said people from various states of the country, especially the trekkers have found the place heaven for trekking activity and are desperate to visit again along with their friends.

Raja Hussain Khan, a certified tourist guide has played a key role in promoting the area as a tourist hotspot. He operates three home stays in the village equipped with all essentials for trekkers.

“We are hopeful once the ban is lifted, the tourist spot will be overwhelmed with the tourists. We are receiving calls on a daily basis from different tour operators of the country, however, as of now we have no option but to cancel their bookings owing to the temporary ban,” Khan said. The route to the Vij top from Ladu Ladoora Rafiabad, offers majestic meadow of Vij Top, the picturesque Vij Top stream, besides spots like Satarwan, Jabdia Bahak, Rattimiti, and Moladari Top before culminating to Vij Top offers abundant natural beauty.

“There has been growing interest in Vij Top due to its untouched beauty and trekking trails,” said Ghulam Rasool, a resident of Ladu Ladoora. “Tourists, including those from other states and even abroad, have visited and praised the area. Many of them want to come back, but the ban is preventing that,” he added.

A woman tourist from Maharashtra, who is on Amarnath pilgrimage, contacted a local tour operator for her desire to visit Vij Top — a place she had explored last year. However, upon learning about the ongoing restrictions, she expressed disappointment over the closure. The blanket ban has significantly impacted the local economy, particularly in areas that were just beginning to emerge on the tourism map. Local tour operators say they are losing clients, especially those looking to escape the heat by exploring lesser-known locations. Officials have stated that more destinations will be reopened following detailed security assessments.