Government Allocates Rs 2.42 Crore for Keran, Bungus and Teetwal Infra Upgradation
The Jammu and Kashmir government is spearheading a transformative tourism push in Kupwara’s frontier regions, with a strategic focus on Keran, Teetwal and Bungus. Backed by an allocation of ₹2.42 crore, the initiative aims to position these areas as hubs for adventure and border tourism while preserving their ecological and cultural integrity. Infrastructure upgrades form the cornerstone of this plan, with targeted projects such as the ₹79.34 lakh Tourist Facilitation Centre in Teetwal to streamline visitor services, ₹93.91 lakh earmarked for Keran’s hiking trails and selfie points and ₹69.63 lakh invested in Bungus Valley’s eco-friendly amenities like gazebos and waste management systems. These developments align with broader national efforts under the 2025 Union Budget, which prioritizes theme-based tourism circuits.
Showcasing Local Traditions
Beyond infrastructure, the government has leveraged cultural festivals to amplify Kupwara’s appeal. Events like the 2022 Border Tourism Festival in Teetwal and the 2025 Lolab Festival have showcased local traditions through folk performances and adventure activities, drawing national media attention. The Bangus Mela, held in September 2023, further highlighted the valley’s untapped potential, combining cultural exhibitions with trekking expeditions. These efforts have yielded tangible results: tourist footfall skyrocketed from 46,380 in 2021–22 to over 3 lakh in 2023, revitalizing local economies through home stays, guided tours and artisan markets.
Surge in Tourism
The tourism surge has created employment opportunities, particularly in border areas like Tangdhar and Keran, where 57 registered home stays now operate, with 40 more under development. Future plans emphasize sustainable growth, including adventure tourism infrastructure for rafting and mountaineering in Lolab and eco-tourism initiatives in Bungus that balance visitor amenities with environmental preservation. Collaborative projects with central schemes like Swadesh Darshan aim to integrate Kupwara into wider tourism networks. With continued investment and community engagement, these frontier regions are poised to emerge as distinctive destinations, blending rugged landscapes, cultural heritage and strategic border experiences into a compelling narrative for modern travelers.
Future Roadmap
The administration’s plans for Kupwara are ambitious and multifaceted, aiming to develop the region into a premier tourism destination while ensuring ecological sustainability. Key initiatives include the development of rafting routes along the Pohru River in Lolab and the establishment of mountaineering infrastructure in Drangyari, which will cater to adventure enthusiasts and attract thrill-seekers. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on balancing the development of Bungus Valley with ecological preservation. This involves implementing waste management systems and regulating construction activities to protect the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Integrating Kupwara into National Tourism
Furthermore, the administration seeks to integrate Kupwara into national tourism circuits through the Swadesh Darshan scheme, capitalizing on partnerships with the Forest Department to facilitate land acquisition for eco-tourism zones. This strategic approach not only aims to enhance tourism but also supports local livelihoods and community engagement. With Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha declaring Kupwara a ‘New Success Story,’ the region’s unique blend of rugged landscapes, cultural vibrancy and strategic border experiences positions it as a model for transforming conflict into commerce in the Himalayas. By maintaining a continued focus on community-led tourism and infrastructure resilience, Kupwara is poised to solidify its status as Kashmir’s next tourism hotspot, attracting visitors from across the globe while fostering economic growth for its residents.
