“If paradise is to be found on earth, Kashmir is it.” But today, Srinagar’s paradise is breaking apart. Nestled in the Himalayan valley, Srinagar’s natural wonders like wetlands and lakes have long supported its beauty and economy. Yet, unchecked construction and urban sprawl now threaten this fragile balance, causing floods and pushing up living costs. A local report warns that “encroached wetlands and choked drains… amplify flood damage, while unchecked sprawl hikes living costs.” The backbone of Srinagar’s economy — horticulture, tourism, and artisan crafts — is cracking under pressure. Since the sudden changes after August 2019’s dilution of Article 370, the region’s governance faced shocks: communication blackouts, long curfews, and unfilled government jobs have stalled growth. An eye-opening study shows women entrepreneurs struggling as lockdowns destroyed their ability to market traditional crafts. Urban unemployment has soared to 11.8%, youth unemployment hits 32%, and women’s unemployment worsens at a shocking 53.6%. Tourism, once the shining light, remains a seasonal dream. In 2025 alone, landslides and highway closures stranded over 800 fruit trucks, costing more than ₹200 crore in just days, revealing how fragile the fruit supply and local economy really is. Artisans face hard times too: women wear their struggles on their sleeves, battling exploitation, scarce materials, and broken supply chains. Many street vendors and informal workers earn just ₹250–300 daily. Economic hardship sadly pushes some marginalized and transgender people into sex work, as other jobs vanish. Why isn’t the ‘big city money’ saving Srinagar? Because giant projects like urban infrastructure and real estate often ignore local lives. Srinagar’s “smart city” efforts paint a pretty picture but squeeze out artisan vendors and cut down old trees — harming the very soul of the city. The path forward is clear: protect wetlands and lakes, support climate-smart farming, and build cozy cold-storage systems. Tourism should be local, eco-friendly, and let artisans shine. The rich tapestry of crafts—shawls, woodwork, papier-mâché—needs care, digital marketing, fair financing, and legal protection. Urban plans must value artisans’ neighborhoods and street vendors by preserving workshops and not pushing them aside. Without strong local governance, Srinagar’s economy will weaken further. Policy makers should boost women entrepreneurs with skill training, marketing support, and better connectivity. Social protection and job diversity can help vulnerable communities avoid slipping into desperation. Srinagar isn’t just about tourism or shiny buildings. Its heart beats strongest in horticulture, crafts, and small factories involving over three million people. Boosting this diverse mix will build a tougher, more balanced economy. This city stands at a crossroads. Will it simply chase quick capital and surface beauty, or will it nurture the soils, workshops, and dreams of its people? As Tikender Singh Panwar puts it, "The question for policymakers, for civil society, for the local economy is: Will we walk that path — or will Srinagar’s paradise slip through our fingers?"