Dhoodhpathri, a renowned tourist destination located in Budgam district, attracts thousands of visitors annually, providing a livelihood for locals ranging from tea stall owners to pony handlers and hoteliers. Among them is Shakeel Banoo, a female tea stall owner, who runs her business on a roadside leading to Dhoodhpathri. Shakeela, who has six children, including one with a disability, relies on her stall’s earnings, with her husband assisting in managing the customers.
Recently, authorities announced that tea stall owners must vacate the area within ten days, causing significant concern for nearly 100 stall owners like Shakeela, whose lives depend on this tourist hotspot. The tea stalls, known for serving Kashmir’s unique Nunn chai, kehwa, and other specialties, are a key attraction in the area. These tea stall owners are appealing to authorities to reconsider the eviction notice and allow them to continue their operations.
