Hardeep Jamwal, JNM Journalist, Jammu
Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP leader and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has expressed concern regarding the growing influx of tourists in Kashmir. She stated that the continuous rise in tourist vehicles is putting pressure on the roads and could potentially impact the environment. She has urged the government to fix a maximum limit on the number of tourist vehicles.
Reacting on the social media platform X, Iltija Mufti noted that congestion caused by vehicles is visible everywhere on Kashmir’s narrow roads. While acknowledging that tourists should be welcomed, she warned that the unchecked number of vehicles could become a major problem in the future. She expressed hope that the government would soon take concrete steps to address this issue.
Iltija’s statement comes at a time when preparations for the Shri Amarnath Yatra are in their final stages. Just days earlier, Mehbooba Mufti had appealed to the people of Kashmir to welcome the pilgrims arriving for the Amarnath Yatra as if they were members of their own families.
The BJP has reacted sharply to Iltija Mufti’s statement. BJP leader Parimoksh Seth stated that the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir is steadily growing, with the livelihoods of thousands of families linked to it; he described it as unfortunate to portray tourists as a problem at such a time.
He added that the fact that large numbers of tourists are visiting the valley—even after the Pahalgam terror attack—indicates growing public confidence in the peace and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP alleges that such statements could damage the region’s positive image.
According to observers, a large number of tourists are arriving in Kashmir in their private vehicles this year, leading to increased traffic pressure on several key routes in Srinagar. Traffic jams are frequently being witnessed, particularly on Boulevard Road and in the Nishat area.
It is worth noting that National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has also previously expressed concern regarding the rise in tourism. Last year, she stated that unregulated tourism could place increasing pressure on Kashmir’s cultural identity and local resources.
Currently, a political debate has intensified over Iltija Mufti’s statement. One side views it as a serious issue concerning the environment and traffic, while the other regards it as detrimental to tourism and the region’s image.
