Gurez, August 7, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a significant public interaction at Dawar, the heart of Gurez Valley, where he attentively listened to the concerns of local residents and assured their swift redressal. The visit, coinciding with the National Tribal Festival-2025 and the launch of commercial river rafting on the Kishanganga River, underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development and empowerment of remote regions like Gurez. Abdullah’s engagement reflects a proactive approach to addressing the needs of the Dard-Shina community while promoting Gurez as a premier offbeat tourist destination.
Addressing Local ConcernsDuring the public interaction in Dawar, residents raised pressing issues, including infrastructure development, healthcare access, education, and employment opportunities. Specific concerns included the need for an all-weather tunnel at Razdan Pass to ensure year-round connectivity, as Gurez remains cut off for six months due to heavy snowfall. Abdullah assured residents that a proposed 10-km tunnel is under consideration, stating, “We are committed to resolving these challenges with sincerity and urgency to ensure inclusive growth.” He emphasized the government’s focus on responsive governance, promising timely action to address public grievances.
Boosting Tourism and Cultural PreservationAbdullah’s visit aligned with the National Tribal Festival, where he celebrated the cultural diversity of the Dard-Shina community, calling them “the living soul of India’s heritage.” The festival, inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, showcased vibrant performances under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat theme, reinforcing unity and mutual respect. The launch of Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM, a community radio station, aims to preserve the Dard-Shina heritage by promoting their oral traditions and values among the youth.
The Chief Minister also flagged off river rafting on the Kishanganga River, marking a milestone in adventure tourism. “With nature as its playground, Gurez is set to become a premier destination for adventure seekers,” Abdullah said, highlighting its natural beauty and tourism potential. Gurez’s visitor numbers have surged from 5,000 in 2019-20 to over 100,000 in 2024, bolstered by its 2022 “Best Offbeat Destination” award and Dawar’s 2023 “Best Tourism Village” gold award from the Union Ministry of Tourism. Plans for a Tourism Development Authority and infrastructure upgrades under the 2024-25 Capex Budget aim to further elevate Gurez’s global appeal.
