Among the 75 offbeat destinations in Jammu and Kashmir announced by the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, Aharbal is one such destination. DC Kulgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat says we have been trying to promote this destination for two years. We have been successful to a good extent, said the DC. According to the old records, around 70,000 to 80,000 people visited Aharbal in a year. This year it crossed two lakh visitors. The numbers prove that Aharbal is now considered a tourist spot, said the DC. The locals said that earlier there were no festivals held or a platform where the youth could prove themselves. These festivals help to engage a large number of youth and keep them away from drugs and bad habits. Tourism is linked to employment. When more tourists come, the youth from nearby villages too get engaged in servicing the tourists. The DC said that Aharbal should be hugely promoted by the media so that a lot many tourists arrive and enjoy the beauty of the place. The Kulgam locals said that the place is no less than Switzerland or Gulmarg and tourists from all over the world must come here. The winter period is a time of prosperity. When snow falls in winters then our summers are good for horticulture and paddy fields. The DC said that to drive away the inactivity spell of winters we are trying to engage the youth through cultural festivals and sports like snow volleyball, snow rugby and snow cricket. This also helps the youth to realise their talent.