Nizamuddin Bhat seeks LG’s intervention to reopen Wullar viewpoint for visitors

Srinagar, Jun 26: Senior Congress leader and MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, on Thursday questioned the continued closure of the Wullar Viewpoint—a scenic and popular tourist destination on the Sopore-Bandipora road, calling it unjustified and detrimental to local livelihoods.

In a social media appeal tagging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Bhat said there are no known security concerns in the area that would warrant the restriction. Yet, authorities have kept the site off-limits for tourists and local picnic-goers for months.

“Why is a vital tourist spot like Wullar Viewpoint closed for tourists and picnic lovers? There are no security concerns. Why deprive people of joy and locals of their livelihood?” Bhat asked on X (formerly Twitter), urging the LG to personally intervene.

The Wullar Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, draws thousands of visitors annually. The viewpoint along the Sopore-Bandipora stretch offers panoramic views of the lake and has, in recent years, become a key recreational site for both tourists and locals—particularly during the summer months.