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Amidst the scorching temperatures engulfing Jammu and Kashmir, the tourism sector is witnessing a surge, with houseboats in the Dal Lake and surrounding areas bustling with activity. Tourists from various parts of the valley can be seen relishing the picturesque beauty around Dal Lake and its adjacent areas on a daily basis, signaling a significant increase in tourist footfall. Wali Mohammad, President of the Shikara Association, told Kashmir Horizon his optimism about the uptick in tourist arrivals in the Valley, anticipating further growth in the days ahead. “The influx is set to rise as people from outside are preoccupied with elections and are expected to visit soon,” he remarked. Pakhtoon emphasized the current peak season for tourism, coinciding with vacations in other states, attracting visitors to Kashmir during this period, particularly from May onwards. “Our houseboats are experiencing a notable influx of tourists, and we expect this trend to persist,” he said. As temperatures soar across India, an increasing number of professionals are seeking solace in the serene mountains of the Kashmir valley, blending work with leisure to embrace a new lifestyle. With temperatures surpassing normal levels in major metropolitan centers like Delhi and Mumbai, the mountains offer a much-needed refuge. Travel agencies and hotels are witnessing a surge in inquiries and bookings for stays in hill stations and remote areas, indicating a growing trend of working from the hills. A senior tourism official informed Kashmir Horizon of a remarkable shift, anticipating a record-breaking tourist season this year. “Kashmir valley, in particular, is experiencing an unprecedented influx of visitors this summer,” he said. Director Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoub, recently unveiled that nearly 1 million tourists have flocked to the Valley within the initial four months of this year. “Kashmir stands as a well-established and alluring destination. Yet, there’s room for enhanced promotion,” he said, highlighting that the prestigious conclave, graced by numerous investors, will unequivocally convey that Kashmir is primed for investment and tourism. Apart from its natural beauty, the valley’s upgraded connectivity and modern amenities make it an ideal destination for remote work. Hotels and home stays have adapted to cater to digital nomads, offering reliable internet connections and comfortable workspaces. Local businesses are reaping the benefits of this trend. Irfan Inayat, who operates a homestay in Reyaar, Doodhpathri, notes a steady influx of professionals from cities like Bengaluru and Delhi. Data from Srinagar International Airport corroborates this burgeoning trend, with over 8,000 passengers daily, a substantial increase from the winter months. The airport now operates 94 flights, compared to an average of 70 in February, with a significant portion of passengers opting for extended stays to work remotely. The work-from-hills trend holds promise for the region’s economy and promotes sustainable tourism by diversifying visitor numbers across various destinations. As more professionals recognize the advantages of working amidst Jammu and Kashmir’s picturesque landscapes, the region is poised to set new records in tourist arrivals this summer. The Central Spokesman of Railways noted a significant tourist rush towards Jammu and Kashmir. They anticipate a further increase in footfall in the tourism sector in the valley in the coming days. This week, Srinagar experienced sweltering temperatures, reaching a high of 32.2 degrees Celsius, reminiscent of the heat on May 25, 2013. Notably, on May 20, 2011, the mercury climbed to 32.3 degrees Celsius, marking it as the hottest day of the season and the third warmest May day over the last decade for the summer capital. Thursday’s peak temperature soared 7.4 notches above the seasonal norm, signaling an intense heat wave gripping the Valley. The Meteorological Office forecasts this isolated heat wave to persist across the region for the next five days. Historically, Srinagar has witnessed higher temperatures in May, registering 31.7°C on May 27, 2020, and 31.9°C on May 22, 2016. Over the past decade (2014-2024), May maximum temperatures have fluctuated between 28.5°C and 31.9°C, while minimum temperatures have ranged from 5.0°C to 9.8°C.
“Travel agencies and hotels are witnessing a surge in inquiries and bookings for stays in hill stations and remote areas, indicating a growing trend of working from the hills. A senior tourism official informed Kashmir Horizon of a remarkable shift, anticipating a record-breaking tourist season this year. “Kashmir valley, in particular, is experiencing an unprecedented influx of visitors this summer,” he said. Director Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoub, recently unveiled that nearly 1 million tourists have flocked to the Valley within the initial four months of this year.”
According to meteorological data, the highest 24-hour rainfall varied between 7.6 mm and 19.8 mm, with monthly totals ranging from 31.5 mm to 85.7 mm. Records also indicate extreme conditions, with the highest maximum temperature hitting 36.4°C on May 24, 1968, and the lowest minimum temperature dropping to 1.0°C on May 1, 2004. The highest 24-hour rainfall peaked at 66.2 mm on May 23, 1987, while the highest monthly total rainfall reached 190.5 mm in May 1987. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, has forecasted a prolonged period of hot and dry weather for Jammu and Kashmir over the next five days. He expects a heatwave in the plains of Jammu division, while hot and dry conditions are likely to persist in the plains of Kashmir valley and the hilly regions of Jammu division. Dr. Mukhtar also mentioned the possibility of isolated thunderstorms but anticipates no significant weather activity until May 28th. Thursday marked the hottest day this season in Srinagar, with the mercury climbing to 31.6°C, the third warmest day recorded in May over the past decade. Previously, higher temperatures were recorded on May 27, 2020, at 31.7°C and on May 22, 2016, at 31.9°C. Other areas also experienced sweltering conditions, with Qazigund reaching a maximum of 31.6°C, Pahalgam at 27.1°C, Kokernag at 30.2°C, and Kupwara at 30.2°C on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Jammu, the winter capital, sizzled at 41.2°C. Amid soaring temperatures, the Directorate of Health Services has issued vital advisory, urging residents to be vigilant about the health risks associated with extreme heat, as the summer season peaks in the Valley.
“A record-breaking tourist season is anticipated this year, with nearly 1 million tourists visiting the Valley within the initial four months. However, the region is currently grappling with an intense heatwave, prompting health advisories urging residents to stay hydrated and minimize exposure to extreme heat. Experts call for enhancing promotion efforts to attract more tourists, highlighting the region’s unique offerings. They also stress for investment in infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of visitors, ensuring a seamless experience.”
Highlighting the importance of hydration, the advisory emphasizes, “Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can exacerbate dehydration. Individuals working in high-temperature and high-humidity conditions should prioritize consumption of cold water.” The advisory underscores the need to minimize exposure to hot environments, advocating for regular breaks and periods of rest between intense work sessions. Additionally, it recommends taking cool showers or baths at home to lower body temperature. Encouraging appropriate attire choices, the advisory suggests wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. It further advises the use of wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, shields, and umbrellas to shield the skin from sunburn, while urging individuals to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. For children, the department emphasizes the importance of never leaving them unattended in parked cars, ensuring they play in shaded areas, and taking breaks to cool down and hydrate. Parents are encouraged to dress children in suitable clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and offer water-rich snacks like fruits. Schools are urged to refrain from outdoor activities during extremely hot and humid weather, instead providing multiple safe drinking water stations to ensure good hydration among students. In guidance directed towards the elderly, the department stresses the necessity of ensuring access to cool environments and vigilance for symptoms such as dizziness or heavy sweating, indicating the need for immediate medical attention from nearby government healthcare facilities if such symptoms occur.
Kashmir Horizon View: Amidst scorching temperatures, Kashmir’s tourism sector is flourishing, especially around Dal Lake and its adjacent areas, witnessing a surge in tourist footfall. The region’s natural beauty, upgraded connectivity, and modern amenities make it an ideal destination for remote work, attracting professionals seeking solace in its serene mountains. A record-breaking tourist season is anticipated this year, with nearly 1 million tourists visiting the Valley within the initial four months. However, the region is currently grappling with an intense heatwave, prompting health advisories urging residents to stay hydrated and minimize exposure to extreme heat. Experts call for enhancing promotion efforts to attract more tourists, highlighting the region’s unique offerings. They also stress for investment in infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of visitors, ensuring a seamless experience. Calling for encourage the development of diverse tourism experiences beyond traditional attractions, tapping into adventure tourism, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism to attract a wider range of visitors, the experts also lay emphasis on strengthen healthcare facilities and emergency response systems to address health risks associated with extreme weather conditions. Experts also stress for training to tourism stakeholders on emergency preparedness and first aid.
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