Uri residents seek facilities for promotion of tourism

Uri, Dec 27: Residents of border town Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have urged the authorities to improve the area’s infrastructure and facilities to enhance its tourism potential.

A delegation of locals emphasised the need for proper hotel facilities to accommodate visitors.

Abrar Ahmad, a resident of Uri, pointed out that while there are a few locally-established hotels in the town’s main market, but they are in poor condition and fail to attract tourists. “Visitors often avoid staying in these hotels due to their poor condition,” he said.

Ahmad suggested that the tourism department build eco-friendly huts near Uri town and in its surrounding forest areas. He believes this would not only attract more tourists but also help in boosting local tourism.

“We have a guesthouse at Bandi, owned by the R&B Department, but it is in poor condition, and booking rooms there is often problematic,” he added.

Irshad Ahmad, another local resident, stressed the importance of creating decent accommodations in remote areas. He expressed concern that without proper lodging facilities, the region may lose out on potential opportunities, particularly in the entertainment industry. “We want Uri to be explored by Bollywood filmmakers, but we are unsure where this high-profile cast would stay if they plan to shoot here. This is unfortunate,” he said.

The locals questioned why authorities could not provide additional facilities, especially when the Kaman Post along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri has been opened to tourists. “Currently, the Kaman Post attracts a huge flow of visitors, but the lack of overnight accommodations remains a significant issue,” said Irshad. “There is no concept of home stays, so where will visitors stay overnight?”

He also highlighted authorities had announced plans to introduce rafting at the Hapatkhai nallah in Boniyar two years ago, but the initiative is yet to materialise. “Uri also needs facilities like parks.”

Several locals spoke about Uri’s untapped tourism potential. “Uri is home to incredible tourist spots, such as Kaman Post, Nambla Waterfall, Rustum, Zulfiqar Ali Viewpoint, Salamabad Dam, Bosiyan, Limber Waterfall, and more. These locations attract both local and non-local visitors,” said Zaffer Iqbal, another resident.

The locals believe these locations could be developed under the government’s border tourism initiative. “As authorities explore untapped locations across the valley, we hope they will seriously consider improving the tourism infrastructure here,” they added.

Nestled along the banks of the River Jhelum, Uri is renowned for its serene landscapes, lush greenery, and stunning mountain views. The town, which lies near the Line of Control, gained further attention after the release of the Bollywood film Uri: The Surgical Strike.

Locals have urged the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister’s administration, and the Tourism Department to prioritise these demands and take action to promote tourism in the area.