Deserted Dal Lake, Fleeing Tourists: Has Terror Set Kashmir’s Clock Back?
Srinagar 24 April 2025: Once bustling with shikaras gliding over its serene waters, Dal Lake now stands eerily silent. The vibrant heart of Kashmir’s tourism, once filled with travelers marveling at its floating gardens and historic houseboats, has turned into a ghostly reflection of uncertainty and fear.
The recent Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, has triggered a mass exodus of tourists, sending ripples of economic and emotional distress across the Valley. Travel agencies report hundreds of cancellations, hotels stand empty, and transporters face crippling losses. The air of celebration that usually marks Kashmir’s high tourist season has given way to anxiety and sorrow—a reminder of times the Valley hoped had been left behind.
The Vanishing Footsteps of Tourists
Tourists, who came seeking Kashmir’s tranquil beauty, are now departing in haste, their visits cut short by the looming fear of instability.
- Hotels report plummeting bookings, with occupancy rates dropping overnight.
- Tour operators confirm cancellations, threatening the livelihoods of thousands.
- Local traders—handicraft sellers, restaurant owners, and transporters—brace for heavy losses.
What was supposed to be a season of revival has turned into a painful echo of past uncertainties.
Economic Fallout: Business in Crisis
Kashmir’s economy, deeply dependent on tourism, now faces an uncertain future.
- Hospitality industry bleeding: From small guesthouses to luxury resorts, all report a steep decline in occupancy.
- Transport sector reeling: Taxi operators and tour guides, who thrive during peak season, are struggling as visitor numbers dwindle.
- Retail in distress: Local artisans, street vendors, and shopkeepers—many of whom rely on tourist purchases—fear prolonged financial instability.
For Kashmiris, this isn’t just about money—it’s about survival.
A Valley Haunted by Memories
For many Kashmiris, the sight of empty streets, abandoned markets, and silent lakes brings back painful memories of past upheavals.
- A generation that grew up amidst conflict sees haunting parallels, wondering whether history is repeating itself.
- Business owners who had just begun recovering from past disruptions now fear another lost season.
- Young professionals, tour operators, and adventure guides worry about their future, as dwindling tourism threatens career prospects.
The question looms heavy: Will Kashmir recover, or are the shadows of fear creeping back?
The Road to Restoration: What’s Next?
To prevent long-term damage to Kashmir’s tourism industry, the government must act decisively:
1️⃣ Rebuilding Trust – A strategic push to reassure travelers that Kashmir remains welcoming and safe.
2️⃣ Tighter Security Measures – Reinforced surveillance and intelligence efforts to prevent future tragedies.
3️⃣ Economic Support for Local Businesses – Relief packages and incentives to revive hospitality, transport, and trade.
4️⃣ Positive Global Messaging – Showcasing Kashmir’s enduring beauty and resilience beyond moments of crisis.
Kashmir’s identity is built on hospitality, its future on peace. The world must see beyond terror—because Kashmir is more than its tragedies.
