Reopen, develop Doodhpathri to revive livelihoods: GM Shaheen

Srinagar, Aug 25: Janata Dal (United) State President GM Shaheen on Monday met a delegation from Doodhpathri at the party office in Rajbagh, Srinagar, to deliberate on the livelihood crisis faced by locals after the closure of the tourist destination in the wake of the recent Pahalgam attack, said a press release.

As per the press release, Shaheen said Doodhpathri—renowned for its meadows, scenic beauty, and cool climate—has always been a lifeline for the local population. Pony operators, hoteliers, transporters, and vendors depend on its tourism flow, but the closure has pushed hundreds of families into distress.

“Tourism is not a luxury for us—it is our bread and butter. Without tourists, our community is facing a severe financial crisis,” Shaheen said. He assured the delegation that he would raise the matter with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, pressing for the immediate reopening of Doodhpathri.

The JDU President also highlighted the infrastructure neglect of the destination and called for a comprehensive development plan for Doodhpathri.