SRINAGAR: Srinagar Lok Sabha member Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has urged the Budgam district administration to reopen Yousmarg, citing mounting economic difficulties among residents whose livelihoods depend largely on tourism.
In a communication to the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, the MP said a delegation from Yousmarg had approached him over the continued restrictions at the tourist destination. The residents reportedly pointed out that other major tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir were operating while Yousmarg remained inaccessible.
Mehdi said the resort could be reopened subject to necessary security and administrative measures if there were no prevailing constraints.
He said tourism was the main source of income for the area and that prolonged restrictions had adversely affected pony operators, horse riders, hoteliers, shopkeepers, transporters and tourist guides.
The MP urged the administration to examine the matter on priority and take appropriate steps to facilitate the reopening of Yousmarg, while giving due consideration to the economic concerns of the local population.
Yousmarg, a popular tourist destination in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, has remained largely inaccessible to visitors since security measures were tightened following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Although limited movement was permitted earlier this year, visitor numbers have remained negligible, according to the report.
Local stakeholders have repeatedly sought the removal of restrictions, saying the prolonged curbs have severely affected tourism-dependent families and businesses in the area.
