Tourist parks in Jammu & Kashmir reopen after Pahalgam attack, security measures remain in place

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced that tourist destinations shut down after the tragic April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam are set to reopen in phases, beginning June 17.

This move comes after detailed security reviews conducted by divisional commissioners and IGPs from both the Kashmir and Jammu regions.

Speaking during a visit to the Nunwan Base Camp of the annual Amarnath Yatra in Anantnag district, Sinha confirmed the gradual reopening of parks and other attractions. “Some places were closed after April 22 (attack) in view of security considerations. The divisional commissioners and IGPs of Kashmir and Jammu have taken reports from every district and it has been decided to reopen some destinations in a phased manner,” he told reporters.

In the Kashmir Valley, eight sites will be accessible to visitors in the initial phase. These include Beetab Valley and the parks near the Pahalgam market in Anantnag, along with Verinag, Kokernag, and Achabal gardens. In Srinagar, Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen, and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal will also reopen.

Sinha noted that eight destinations in the Jammu region will be opened simultaneously. These include Sarthal and Dhaggar in Kathua, Devipindi, Siyad Baba, and Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai Valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur.

“Eight places are being reopened in the first phase. In the next phase, some other destinations will be reopened,” he said, adding that further openings will be based on district-level security assessments coordinated by a committee involving divisional commissioners and the tourism department.

The Lieutenant Governor also expressed optimism about the region’s growing tourism momentum. He attributed this partly to the recently launched Vande Bharat train service, which has seen strong bookings. “The tourists are coming. There is a new enthusiasm in people after the launch of Vande Bharat... all tickets have been booked for the next 10-12 days. The number of tourists is increasing gradually,” Sinha said.

In preparation for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which begins on July 3, Sinha assured the public that robust security arrangements are in place. He urged pilgrims to follow official guidelines and travel in designated convoys from Jammu. “Security agencies have formulated a plan for them to travel here and they should stick to that plan,” he emphasized.

Sinha also met with local stakeholders at Pahalgam, including MLAs, district council leaders, travel operators, pony associations, and hoteliers. “I've assured the delegation that restrictions on other tourist spots will be lifted after thorough security assessment,” he later posted on X.

Emphasising the economic and cultural importance of the pilgrimage, Sinha called for community support: “This yatra is of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, they should think of it as their own yatra and everyone should cooperate in the Baba's yatra.”

He highlighted recent infrastructure improvements for pilgrims, citing better power and telecom connectivity and upgraded halting facilities. “The facilities for the yatris have improved a lot in the last three to four years,” Sinha added, expressing confidence in the state’s readiness to host a large influx of devotees this year.