Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah seeks reopening of Yousmarg tourist resort

SRINAGAR — Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has urged the Budgam district administration to immediately reopen Yousmarg for tourists, citing severe economic distress among local residents dependent on tourism for their livelihood.

In a communication to the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam, accessed by news agency KNS, the Lok Sabha member said a delegation of Yousmarg residents had recently met him and expressed “serious concern” over the continued restrictions, particularly when other tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir were functioning normally.

“The local residents expressed serious concern that when other major tourist destinations in Jammu & Kashmir are open and receiving visitors, Yousmarg should also be considered for reopening, subject to all necessary safety and administrative protocols,” Mehdi said in his letter.

Describing tourism as the “primary source of livelihood” for the area, the MP said pony operators, horse riders, hoteliers, shopkeepers, transporters and tour guides had been among those worst affected by the prolonged restrictions, with many families struggling to make ends meet.

“In view of the above, I request your good office to kindly examine the matter on priority and take appropriate steps for reopening Yousmarg for tourists, if there are no prevailing security or administrative constraints,” he wrote.

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Mehdi also appealed to the administration to give “due consideration” to the livelihood concerns of the local population while taking any decision.

Yousmarg, a tourist destination in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, has remained largely inaccessible to tourists since security measures were tightened following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, according to the source material.

Although authorities allowed limited movement earlier this year, the flow of visitors has remained negligible, affecting the local economy, the source said.

Local stakeholders have repeatedly demanded removal of the restrictions, warning that the continued curbs could push many families into serious financial distress.