GREEN SIGNAL FOR TOURISM: J&K reopens 16 tourist spots
Pahalgam, Jun 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday announced the reopening of 16 tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir following a comprehensive security review, nearly two months after the deadly April 22 terror attack in Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam.
Speaking to reporters in Pahalgam, LG Sinha said the decision was made after consultations with Divisional Commissioners and Inspectors General of Police from Kashmir and Jammu regions.
ìIn the Anantnag district, destinations including Betaab Valley, local parks in Pahalgam, Verinag Garden, Kokernag Garden, and Achabal Garden have been reopened,î he said.
Public access has resumed in Srinagar at Badamwari, Duck Park near Nigeen Lake, and Taqdeer Park near Dargah Hazratbal.
In the Jammu division, reopened sites include Sarthal, Baggar, Devi Pindi, Sehar Baba Waterfall, Sulha Park, Gul Danda, Jai Valley, and Panchari.
ìOther tourist destinations will be reopened in a phased manner,î the LG said.
The reopening follows growing public demand, including an appeal on Friday by senior political leader and Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, who urged the government to resume operations at ìsoftî tourist locations to support the struggling tourism sector.
On Saturday, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary and MLA Dooru Ghulam Ahmad Mir, along with MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Kaloo, MLA Kokernag Zafar Ali Khatana, MLA Anantnag East Riyaz Ahmad Khan, and MLA Anantnag West Abdul Majid Larmi also met with Sinha in Pahalgam to advocate for the reopening of tourist spots.
At least 40 tourist locations, including public parks, were shut after the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran meadows, which left 25 tourists and a local pony operator dead.
LG Sinha said tourist activity was gradually resuming in the region.
ìTourists are arriving in large numbers. The central government is also facilitating official visits and parliamentary delegations, which will further boost confidence and drive tourism growth,î he said.
The LG assured that security had been significantly tightened to ensure visitor safety.
ìI appeal to tourists to visit in large numbers. The administration is committed to ensuring a peaceful and safe experience for everyone,î he said.
Referring to the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, LG Sinha described it as a ìpeopleís yatraî and a major opportunity to rejuvenate tourism.
ìAll arrangements are in place, and security forces are fully deployed. I urge everyone to cooperate and help make this Yatra peaceful and successful,î he said.
The LG also visited the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam to review preparations for the yatra.
Commenting on the newly launched Vande Bharat train service in Kashmir, LG Sinha said railway officials informed him that bookings were full for the next 10 days.
ìThis reflects growing public interest and confidence in the improving security situation,î he said.
Earlier in the day, the LG met key stakeholders including hoteliers, shopkeepers, tour and travel operators, adventure activity operators, vendors, pony operators, cab drivers, and tourist guides at the Pahalgam Club.
Senior officials including Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid; IGP Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi; DIG South Kashmir Javed Matoo, and SSP Anantnag Amritpal Singh were also present on the occasion.
