22/07/2023
Bungus Valley continues to lure tourists in large numbers
Visitors demand dustbins, proper infrastructure to attract more guests
Tasaduq Hussain
Kupwara, Jul 21 (KNO): Bungus Valley, the virgin tourist destination of northern belt in Kashmir, continues to witness huge tourist arrivals amid pleasant weather conditions in the region.
After the February 2021 renewed ceasefire pact, peace is prevailing at borders. The no-go zones earlier have been opened up for tourist activities. For the first time in the last couple of years, normal human activities like night camping, bonfires, trekking, and other related activities have started to happen
Visitors, while echoing their thrill and excitement about visiting Bungus valley told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that there is no comparison to its beauty and authorities need to ensure that plastic waste and others aren't thrown in the open.
"This is a natural beauty and its ecosystem shouldn't be disturbed by human involvement. We are glad to see that the place is being opened for sightseeing and camping purposes. All those visiting this place must ensure waste is not thrown into the natural meadows and water stream flowing within," the visitors said.
Kupwara, a frontier district sharing its borders with neighboring Pakistan over the last three decades has seen the worst of times given the untimely ceasefire violations and heavy shelling. People mainly border residents have been the worst victims due to the border situation.
Benish Batool, a Handwara resident, said that it is quite refreshing to be here in Bungus. "It really feels amazing to be here in the lap of nature amid the soothing water flow sound pleasing the ears. Bungus has the potential to be the premier tourist destination of the region. Authorities need to develop it like efforts have been in places like Gulmag, Pahalgam and others," she said.
Aftab Ahmad, a Poonch resident, who was accompanying his college colleagues said that this place is no less than a heaven. "It is my first time here and honestly feels unmatched. This place has no match in terms of natural beauty. This place caught all our attention forcing all of us to have a night stay," Aftab said.
He also advised that people need to take care of their belongings. "No one should throw plastic bags and other waste into the open. It will result in devastation to this beautiful place. Authorities need to take care of it and ensure no threat is caused. "
Another visitor who was accompanying the college said that there is no doubt about the beauty of this place. "Authorities as well as people need to be very empathetic towards this place. We all must work together to save its virgin beauty. Any external potential threat caused to it will leave long lasting harm," he said.
He also said that authorities need to develop it as a tourism destination without causing any harm to its natural habitat.
Many other visitors while echoing same said that everyone needs to take care of this place collectively—(KNO)
