Budget 2026 eco-trail plan aims to protect J&K’s fragile trekking ecosystem

Srinagar, Feb. 3: The Union Budget 2026 proposal to develop eco-friendly mountain trails across Himalayan regions is being seen as a key step towards regulating unplanned movement of both tourists and local visitors and protecting the fragile trekking ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir.

Presenting the Budget for 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a national plan to develop ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, along with selected areas in the Eastern and Western Ghats. The initiative aims to create livelihood opportunities in hilly regions through responsible adventure tourism while ensuring environmental protection.

Local trekking groups and adventure operators in Kashmir have welcomed the move, saying it could help preserve vulnerable mountain trails that have suffered damage due to years of unregulated footfall.

“This initiative will help create eco-friendly amenities for trekkers, ensure sanitation and improve risk management,” said Irfan Malik, who runs Snow Mount Adventure in Pahalgam. “Most importantly, it will protect trekking spots by maintaining their carrying capacity and preventing overcrowding.”

Malik said unregulated trekking has led to trail erosion, littering and damage to alpine vegetation. “Clearly marked trails, certified trained guides and proper waste-disposal systems will ensure that tourism does not destroy the fragile ecosystem of high-altitude areas,” he said.

He added that the plan could also boost mountain expeditions and climbing tourism. “Sustainable adventure tourism can generate livelihoods without harming the environment,” Malik said.

Ibrahim Raina of Kashmir Mountain Magic welcomed the proposal but urged the government to consider reopening trekking routes that were closed last year due to security concerns.

“Adventure tourism suffered a major setback after treks were shut in April last year. All our bookings were cancelled and we had to refund tourists who had planned trekking expeditions,” Raina said. “We are hopeful that the trails will reopen this year with proper security arrangements.”

Raina said regulated trekking would also help preserve mountain routes. “When access is controlled and trekkers move only on designated trails with trained guides, it reduces pressure on alpine meadows, glaciers and water bodies,” he said.

A forest department official said around 84 trekking and hiking trails have been identified in the Kashmir Valley and 32 in the Jammu region.

“The budget allocation will help us maintain and develop these trails in an eco-friendly manner,” the official said . “Training local youth as eco-guides will boost the local economy and ensure better monitoring and protection of trekking areas.”

Popular trekking destinations such as Tarsar-Marsar trek, Tulyian lakes trail, Sheeshnag lakes trail, Royil trail, Thajwas trails, Naranag trails, Kolahoi Glacier, Kashmir Great Lakes trek through alpine lakes-( Vishansar; Krishansar, Gadsar, Gangbal& Nundkhol), Nafran valley trek, Doodhpathri trek , Pirpanjal lakes trail, remain among the most sought-after routes for foreign tourists.

However, most of these treks have remained closed since the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.

“We hope the budget allocation will help revive the sector and bring trekkers back to the mountains,” said Arshad, an avid trekker from Kulgam. “If explored responsibly, the Pir Panjal range can be a trekkers’ paradise while remaining ecologically intact.”

He said promoting trekking in a regulated manner would also help boost the rural economy in remote areas of the region.