Typing Test - Aharbal hosts a waterfall
UP Police SI/ASI/Computer Operator English Typing
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Aharbal hosts a waterfall rising nearly 25 metres, widely referred to as the “Niagara Falls of Kashmir”, flowing along the Veshu river. Junaid Dar, an arts graduate, along with two companions, took a loan and put money into a guest house in Kulgam to meet the tourist demand drawn to the waterfall. This year, the Pahalgam attack has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s tourism sector. “Kashmir has failed to even reach 25–30% of the historic tourist footfall (26 lakh) recorded in 2024.” According to official data, Kashmir welcomed 7.53 lakh tourists, among them 15,319 foreigners, with 7.38 lakh arrivals during the first half of the year. This represents a decline exceeding 52% when measured against 15.65 lakh visitors during the corresponding period in 2024. Prolonged shutdowns of major tourist destinations have affected travel plans as well as the duration of tourist stays. “On a one-week itinerary, visitors typically explore the golden triangle of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. However, we were unable to design extended plans covering prominent off-beat destinations like Doodhpathri and Aharbal. The closures have discouraged tourists seeking two-week stays who prefer lesser-known destinations,” Kuthoo explains. Following the attack, Pahalgam has witnessed continuous downsizing of hotel staff. “This year, most hotels have reduced their workforce by 40–50%,” says Kuthoo, who also serves as an executive member of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, a leading traders’ association in the Valley. Pahalgam, home to roughly 10,000 residents, lacks orchards and paddy fields, making tourism the backbone of its economy. Locals note that a large share of unemployed youth in and around Pahalgam depend on tourism for income. “Many formed collectives and took loans to rent properties for a year. They have suffered the most. The circumstances have driven many into depression,” Kuthoo adds. Approximately 12 destinations were reopened in September this year, including the well-known trekking hub of Aru, situated about 15 km from Pahalgam. Tourists from Aru access high-altitude lakes such as Tarsar and Marsar. Several hotel proprietors in Aru village, which has a population of nearly 4,000, state that prolonged closures have eroded the confidence of foreign trekkers who visited regularly. Kursheed Ahmad, proprietor of Aru Heights, describes this as the worst tourism season since the 1990s. He remarks, “Aru had never been closed to tourists earlier. For years, it attracted foreign visitors and largely remained peaceful. Over time, we built trust by ensuring safety and security. That trust has now been lost.” The Union Ministry of Tourism recognised Aru as one of the winners of the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 on World Tourism Day. Shutdowns of crucial destinations have also affected taxi drivers, guides, and travel operators across multiple regions. In Srinagar, Tanvir Dar, who manages The Kashmir Cabs, states, “For three decades, we have catered to tourists with two taxis. In 2023,”