Trekkers Call for LG, CM Intervention to Reopen Great Lakes

SRINAGAR: Local trekkers from the Sonamarg area have urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to reopen the Great Lakes trekking routes, including Gadsar, Krishansar, Vishansar, Satsar, and Gangbal.

They said that continued suspension of access to these routes has disrupted their livelihoods, particularly during the peak tourist season, adding that many among them are under pressure to repay bank loans.

“We have EMIs to pay, and this is our peak season. If the government does not allow us to resume operations, many of us will default on our bank instalments,” a local trekking guide said.

The appeal comes following restrictions imposed after a recent incident in the Pahalgam region, which led to temporary closure of several trekking routes. While some areas have reopened, access to key Great Lakes destinations remains restricted.

The trekkers have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the Chief Minister for immediate intervention. “We urge the administration to consider our situation and reopen the trekking routes at the earliest,” they said.

The Great Lakes trek is among Kashmir’s most frequented trails and plays a major role in sustaining local trekking and tourism-related livelihoods. (KNO)