Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday ordered the reopening of 14 tourist destinations across the Union Territory that had been closed as a precautionary measure after last year’s terror attack in Pahalgam.
The administration had shut down nearly 50 tourist spots following the April 22 attack at Baisaran Meadow in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists. The decision was taken to ensure public safety amid heightened security concerns.
According to an official statement, the latest move follows a comprehensive security review and consultations. With this order, the total number of tourist spots reopened after the temporary closure has risen to 26. Earlier, on September 26, the Lieutenant Governor had directed the reopening of 12 destinations.
In the Kashmir Division, 11 tourist spots have been ordered to reopen immediately. These include Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, Dandipora Park, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan, Padpawan, Astanpora, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Thajwas Glacier, Hung Park, as well as Wular Lake and Watlab.
In the Jammu Division, Devi Pindi, Mahu Mangat, and Mughal Maidan have also been reopened with immediate effect.
Additionally, three sites in the Kashmir Division — Gurez Valley, Athwatoo and Bangus Valley — along with Ramkund in the Jammu Division, will reopen once snow clearance operations are completed.
The decision is expected to provide a boost to the tourism sector in the Union Territory while maintaining necessary security measures.
