Srinagar, Dec 02 (KNO): Drung's frozen charm has once again begun drawing visitors, providing a much-needed easing to the over six-month struggle faced by ATV riders in Tangmarg.
The iconic Drung Waterfall, a key winter tourist destination near Tangmarg, reopened its gates last Monday after being closed for seven long months due to security concerns. This reopening has rekindled hope among the local ATV riders whose livelihoods depend heavily on the tourist footfall to this scenic spot.
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Speaking to a news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), ATV Riders Association president, Mohammad Subhan Mir, expressed cautious optimism. He acknowledged that while visitor numbers are not yet at full capacity, footfall is expected to steadily increase in the coming weeks. "Currently, about 25-30 ATVs out of 87 are rolling out daily, carrying adventurous tourists on the thrilling 14 km rides that lead to the majestic frozen cascades of Drung," he said.
Operators endured hardships, Mir said, adding, "We are all alone, and surviving by taking borrows etc". He shared how riders endured hardships during the closure period, surviving through loans and scarce opportunities. The reopening supports Tangmarg's tourism-dependent economy, where local livelihoods hinge on such sites.
Meanwhile, tourists have begun trickling in, praising the site's frozen cascades and serene winter charm. Many highlighted the beauty of the frozen waterfall and the tranquillity of the surroundings, describing their experiences as both exhilarating and refreshing. Local guides and riders alike urged travellers to explore Kashmir’s natural beauty without fear, citing improved security arrangements that ensure a safe visit. The reopening of Drung Waterfall not only revives a crucial tourism hotspot but also injects life back into the local economy, providing hope and stability to the ATV riders and others dependent on this tourism-driven livelihood—(KNO)