Tourism curbs leave Tangmarg ATV operators jobless

Baramulla, Aug 18: Scores of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) operators in the Tangmarg area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district say they are staring at an uncertain future after authorities imposed restrictions on certain tourist spots in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

For years, these ATVs had been a key attraction for tourists visiting Tangmarg and Drang, ferrying them across scenic streams and meadows. But now, over 80 such vehicles lie idle, with their owners struggling to repay loans taken to start their businesses.

“Most of us are unemployed youth who borrowed from banks to buy ATVs, hoping to earn a livelihood. Now, with the ban, we are unable to even pay the Rs 20,000 monthly instalments. Our families are suffering,” said Abid Shabir Lone, General Secretary of the ATV Association Tangmarg.

The government recently enforced strict curbs on tourist movement at select destinations, including Drang, citing security and crowd-management measures after the Pahalgam attack. Officials say the restrictions are meant to ensure safety, but operators insist the measures are unnecessary and have dealt a devastating blow to local livelihoods.

“If locals are allowed to go to Drang, why not tourists?” Lone asked. “This ban sends out a message that tourists are unsafe here, which is far from true. It is hurting not just us but the entire tourism sector.”

With 80 ATVs grounded, operators fear slipping into debt traps. Many say they have no other source of income. “The loans we took are turning into a curse. If this situation continues, we’ll be forced to default. We appeal to the administration to either lift the ban or provide us with an alternate place to operate,” said an operator.

ATV rides had emerged as one of the most popular adventure activities in Tangmarg, particularly in summer when thousands of tourists flocked to the Valley. Operators say the ban not only risks their survival but also dims Kashmir’s image as a tourist-friendly destination.

“The ATV rides were part of Kashmir’s tourism revival story. Now, with everything at a halt, it feels like we are back to square one,” said Lone.