Keran Set to Blossom: Designated as Border Tourist Village Amidst Soaring Border Tourism in Valley

BuzzBytes Srinagar, Feb 05:With border tourism gaining momentum in the valley, the administration has earmarked Keran for development as a border tourist village.According to a copy of Jammu and Kashmir interim budget 2024-25 obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the government plans to enhance infrastructure and basic amenities in 20 off-beat tourist destinations, 10 each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions.The interim budget document stated that Keran, recently opened for tourists, will be developed as a border tourist village in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.Tourism players appreciate the move, citing the village’s significant potential to attract both domestic and international tourists.”Keran is a beautiful place and has successfully attracted tourists during the last two years. With the development of Keran as a border tourist village, infrastructure will come up in the village, which will include homestays and other amenities for tourists,” said Umar Ahmad, a travel agent.He emphasized the urgent need for the development of border areas like Keran and Tangdar, as tourists frequently express their desire to visit such places.”We often get requests from tourists to visit Keran and Tangdar. So far accommodation has been an issue for the tourism players. If the government develops both these areas, we will get to see a lot of tourists visiting these areas in the coming years,” Ahmad stated.Keran, a border tehsil of Kupwara district, nestled along the banks of the Kishenganga River (Neelum River), has long been a hidden gem, unknown to many.Due to the prevailing tension across the border for many decades, the area was not explored for tourism promotion.To put border regions like Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil, and Bangus on the tourism map, the Indian government made a significant decision. The locals welcome this decision, as it promises prosperity and economic growth to the area.According to the interim budget copy, the government also plans to develop Tosamaidan and Sitharan circuits.It stated that the revival and restoration of 75 identified heritage sites, cultural sites will also be completed.