Karnah, July 21 (JKNS): The government has been taking various initiatives to promote border tourism across the country. In Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the border valley of Karnah, continuous efforts are being made to establish the region as an attractive tourist destination.
Blessed with breathtaking landscapes, lush green mountains, picturesque valleys, and a unique geographical setting, Karnah is increasingly drawing the attention of tourists from across India.
As part of these efforts, the Indian Army has developed a scenic tourist destination at Danna near Sadhna Pass, known as SM Hills, where visitors can enjoy spectacular natural beauty while experiencing the charm of the border region.
Local residents have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step towards boosting tourism and contributing to the area’s overall development.
However, residents say that since the security checking of passenger vehicles travelling between Karnah and Kupwara was shifted from Sadhna Top to Danna, commuters have been facing considerable inconvenience.
According to locals, long queues of vehicles often form at the checkpoint, and the security screening takes a significant amount of time, making the journey unnecessarily lengthy and exhausting.
Residents emphasized that while they fully understand the importance of security and do not oppose necessary security measures, the checking process should be conducted in a manner that minimizes inconvenience to the public.
They pointed out that patients, elderly citizens, women, children, students, government employees, and daily commuters are among those most affected by the prolonged waiting times.
In emergency situations, delays can create additional hardships, particularly for patients requiring urgent medical attention.
Speaking to media representatives, local residents appealed to the district administration, civil authorities, and the Commander of 104 Infantry Shakti Vijay Brigade to streamline and expedite the security checking process while maintaining all necessary security protocols.
They urged the authorities to adopt a more efficient and public-friendly system to reduce unnecessary delays and make travel smoother.
The locals also acknowledged the Indian Army’s consistent support to the people during natural disasters, emergencies, and various public welfare initiatives.
They expressed hope that the authorities would address this issue as well by finding a practical solution that ensures both effective security and greater convenience for the general public.
Residents believe that if border tourism is to be promoted further, equal attention must be given to improving travel facilities, as a smooth, convenient, and hassle-free journey is essential for the sustainable growth of tourism in the region. (JKNS)
