A Deeper Look At the Recent Developments In Kashmir
SHAFIYA SHOWKAT
Change is inevitable but necessary. There’s no chance that we’d survive in this fast-paced world, characterized by technology, digitalization, and advancement, through our age-old ways of living. But we have to be very careful that this change moves in a positive direction—only then will it lead us to prosperity and development. And when it comes to Kashmir, we all know how important it is for us to prosper like all other states of India. We are not normal; we have a long history behind us, carrying the baggage of the past, which still haunts us. For us, development is the only way to ease some of the wounds of the past. It’s a relief that the government understands the gravity of this issue and has taken measures to ensure that the process of development in Kashmir doesn’t stop.
Kashmir has witnessed significant progress in various sectors over the past few years. The government has focused on improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, and employment opportunities while also ensuring security and stability in the region. These efforts have led to noticeable development, positively impacting the lives of the people. But when we’re talking about development in Kashmir, it’s important to understand that here, development carries a deeper meaning. We are people too proud of our culture and heritage to let modernization overshadow our traditions. Thankfully, the government has introduced policies that not only bring about change but also ensure the protection of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
For instance, the digital documentation of major heritage sites like the Mughal Gardens is a significant step in preserving history. Outside every site, tourists find a QR code providing a detailed history of these places—why they were built, what inspired them, who was behind their construction, and everything else that matters. Similarly, artisan zones have been created where artists can display and sell their products directly to tourists. They are being provided with high-quality pashmina wool and modern tools while also receiving training to use these tools without compromising the authenticity of their traditional craft.
Our economy has also witnessed growth, particularly in agriculture and industries. Handloom and handicraft exports have doubled, providing better earnings for artisans. Kashmiri saffron, Pashmina Shawl, and Kani Shawl have received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, boosting their recognition in international markets. High-density plantations of apples and other fruits have expanded, helping farmers increase their income. Investments in industries and self-employment schemes have also created new job opportunities, benefiting thousands of young people.
The renovation of historical landmarks like the Clock Tower and the Jhelum River Front has also boosted both tourism and the local community’s spirit. Markets like Polo View and Lal Chowk have undergone significant development, with improved waste management, underground cabling, parking facilities, and the establishment of branded stores alongside local businesses. The Smart City project has truly transformed the outlook of Srinagar city, improving living conditions through e-vehicles, modern traffic management systems, and various other initiatives.
I’d like to focus on other major large-scale developments that have taken place in terms of improving the infrastructure. Several road projects have been completed to improve connectivity, including the upgradationof the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The construction of tunnels like the Qazigund-Banihal and Panthaltunnel, havereduced travel time and made transportation easier. Air travel has also improved, with an increase in flights and the introduction of night landing facilities in Jammu and Srinagar. These advancements have boosted trade and tourism, making travel more convenient for both residents and visitors.
Alongside infrastructure, the healthcare sector has also seen major improvements. Several new medical colleges have been established, increasing the number of MBBS and nursing seats. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu has started functioning, while work on AIIMS in Kashmir is progressing rapidly. Additionally, the government has launched the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY-Sehat scheme, which provides free health insuranceup to 5 lakh to all residents of Jammu and Kashmir, making quality healthcare accessible to even the most vulnerable sections of society.
Education, too, has been a major focus. New degree colleges have been set up, and institutions like IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu are already functional. Scholarships for students from marginalized communities have increased, helping more young people pursue higher education. Moreover, smart schools and digital learning programs have been introduced, particularly benefiting students in rural and tribal areas.
However, Kashmir is not just about development in the conventional sense—it is also a land of poets and artists, of Sufis and scholars, of tradition and culture. People from all over the world come here seeking the solace they long for in their fast and busy lives. They come here to take a break, and we must ensure we are fully equipped to provide them with the experience they seek. Thankfully, with the efforts of both the government and the local people, tourism has flourished in recent years. The hosting of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar escalated international attention to the region, and efforts to improve tourist facilities, promote eco-tourism, and develop new destinations have further strengthened this sector, which remains a major source of employment for locals. The rise and promotion of border tourism have further helped the people of the border regions economically.
At the same time, the government has focused on empowering youth through various programs. The Mission Youth initiative has engaged lakhs of young people in skill development, sports, and entrepreneurship. Participation in sports activities has increased significantly, providing a positive outlet for the youth. Additionally, self-employment schemes have encouraged entrepreneurship, helping young Kashmiris establish their own businesses.
A few years ago, people were scared to come to Kashmir because of some false narratives spread by some people saying that Kashmir is not safe. Last year, me and my friends met a woman in Lal Chowk, who was extremely happy with the kind of love she had received from the people of Kashmir, she told us how she was warned by her neighbors not to visit Kashmir because it’s too risky. But after she came here, she got to know how beautiful Kashmir is and how welcoming the people of Kashmir are. The government has made sure that whoever visits here, feels utmost safety and comfort. They have ensured security and stability and created a safer environment for economic and social growth. The government has implemented strict security measures to prevent violence while also working on initiatives to address the root causes of unrest.
That being said, while we have made great progress, there is still room for growth. The education sector, for example, can be further developed. Local schools and colleges need competitive staff and better resources. We need to shift our focus towards skill-based education rather than relying solely on outdated theories.Tourism, too, can be expanded beyond Srinagar and its surrounding areas. Many tourists come to Kashmir only to visit a handful of well-promoted places, but Kashmir is so much more than that. The government should focus on promoting offbeat destinations, improving road connectivity between rural and urban areas to make navigation easier for both residents and visitors.
For a long time, people outside Kashmir had the false perception that we are resistant to change, that we like things to remain rigid and conservative. But that’s clearly not true. I have been asked numerous times whether we find the presence of so many tourists intrusive, but we have never thought of it as an intrusion. We have always welcomed people to come and enjoy the blessings that God has bestowed upon Kashmir. These developments were much needed, and we have been benefiting immensely from them.
Change is happening, and it is necessary. But it must be a change that is meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable. Only then can we truly walk toward a brighter future for Kashmir. We cannot let the bad things that happened to us, define us. The future of upcoming generations depend on the decisions we take today. Whatever paths they’ll choose depend on the choices we make .That’s why we need to be conscious, we need to embrace change, be happy about the developments and always look forward to more.
ShafiyaShowkat is a renowned columnist currently pursuing her M.A. in English at Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. She can be reached at [email protected].
