SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has welcomed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s announcement regarding reopening eight key tourist destinations in the Valley. The decision is a crucial step toward reviving Kashmir’s tourism-dependent economy after the recent security setback in Pahalgam.
Speaking to reporters in south Kashmir on Saturday, the Lieutenant Governor said, “A few tourist destinations were closed after the April 22 terror attack as a precautionary measure. After assessing the situation, it has been decided that the closed destinations will be reopened for tourists in a phased manner.”
In the first phase, popular attractions including Betab Valley, Verinag, Kokernag, and Achabal Gardens in the Anantnag district will be reopened. Public parks in the Pahalgam market area will also welcome visitors again. In Srinagar, Badamwari Garden, Duck Park, and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal will be thrown open to the public.
The Lieutenant Governor also expressed hope that the upcoming Amarnath Yatra will play a significant role in boosting the tourism sector. “This is your Yatra. It will help in improving your economy and reviving tourism,” he said, calling on locals to contribute to making the annual pilgrimage a success.
Reacting to the move, the KCCI described the reopening as a “vital and timely intervention” to revive the tourism industry, which has suffered a sharp downturn following the Pahalgam attack. The Chamber said the reopening was the result of sustained appeals made to both the Lieutenant Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister to restore public access to these sites and safeguard the livelihoods of those who depend on the industry.
“Tourism in Kashmir is not only a cultural and environmental asset but a lifeline for thousands of local families, traders, transporters, hoteliers, artisans and small businesses,” the Chamber said in a statement. It further added that reopening these tourist hotspots will send a strong and positive message to visitors across the country and abroad, thereby reinforcing the recent signs of recovery in tourist arrivals.
The Chamber reaffirmed its full support to the administration in promoting sustainable tourism and pledged continued advocacy for the needs and interests of Kashmir’s business and tourism community. It also appealed to the government to consider reopening more destinations still under restrictions to fully revitalise the sector.
