In a major boost for revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir post Pahalgam terror attack, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced reopening of 16 tourist destinations across Jammu Kashmir, which were closed as precautionary measures after April 22 Pahalgam attack.
Of these tourist spots and parks, 8 are in Kashmir and 8 in Jammu region.
Betab valley and Parks in Pahalgam Market, Verinag Garden, Kokernag Garden and Achabal Garden will be reopened from June 17.
In Srinagar, Badamwari Park, Duck Park, Taqdeer Park will also be thrown open.
In Jammu region, Sarthal, Dhaggar in Kathua, Devi Pindi, Siyad Baba, Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai valley in Doda and Pancheri in Udhampur will be thrown open.
“Reopening will be in phase-wise manner,” Lt Governor said.
He said the committee comprising of the divisional commissioners and IGPs of both regions will take reports from districts and then some more places will be reopened in consultations with the Tourist Department.
“The tourists are coming. There is a new enthusiasm in people after the launch of Vande Bharat (train), Railways people have told me that all tickets have been booked for the next 10-12 days. The number of tourists is increasing gradually,” said Sinha.
“Endeavours are being made from every side, the Government of India will also be having meetings of the Parliamentary delegations, committees etc. in Srinagar. This will restore the confidence,” he added.
The LG also met delegation of Member of Legislative Assembly, DDC Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons, tour and travel operators, Ponywala association and hoteliers' associations at Pahalgam.
He assured the delegation that restrictions on other tourist spots will be lifted after thorough security assessment.
The Lieutenant Governor also observed that the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra will help in reviving tourism in Kashmir.
“I urge people to come forward and make the annual Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage successful. This Yatra is not just the responsibility of the administration or security forces, it is the people’s Yatra. Everyone should feel proud to contribute to it,” he said.
He said the security agencies have prepared a comprehensive security plan and urged the pilgrims to travel in the designated convoy.
The Lieutenant Governor said over the past few years, significant improvements have been made in infrastructure to support the Yatra which include better roads, improved power and telecom connectivity, increased accommodation facilities, and strengthened security systems.
The Lieutenant Governor also visited the Nunwan Base Camp and reviewed the progress of Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas. He also inspected security and other arrangements for Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage beginning 3rd July.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir, Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and senior officers of SASB, Armed forces, Civil and Police administration.