SRINAGAR: As part of efforts to revive tourism and reinforce public confidence, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday announced the reopening of 14 tourist destinations across the Kashmir and Jammu divisions following a comprehensive security review.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the decision, stating in a post on X that the tourist sites, which had been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, will reopen with immediate effect.
“After a thorough security review and discussion, I’ve ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures,” the LG’s office tweeted.
In the Kashmir Division, the destinations set for immediate reopening include Yousmarg, Doodhpathri in Budgam, Dandipora Park in Kokernag, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Padpawan in Shopian, Astanpora, Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Thajwas Glacier, Hung Park in Ganderbal, and Wullar/Watlab in Baramulla.
In the Jammu Division, Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Mangat in Ramban, and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar will reopen immediately. Meanwhile, Gurez, Athwatoo, and Bangus in Kashmir, and Ramkund in Ramban in Jammu, will be reopened once snow clearance operations are completed.
Officials said the reopening of these destinations is expected to boost tourism, attract a large number of visitors, and provide a much-needed stimulus to the local economy.
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department had previously informed the Assembly, in response to a starred question tabled by Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, that a recent incident had adversely affected tourist arrivals in the Union Territory, leading to booking cancellations and impacting the livelihoods of stakeholders linked to the sector.
