Eight Tourist Spots to Reopen in Kashmir After Security Review
Tourist Restrictions Eased Post-April Attack, Says LG Manoj Sinha
Betab Valley, Verinag, Achabal Among Sites Reopened in Phase One
Srinagar’s Badamwari, Hazratbal Parks to Welcome Visitors Again
LG Pins Hopes on Amarnath Yatra for Tourism Revival
Srinagar, June 14, KNT: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced the phased reopening of eight prominent tourist destinations in Kashmir that were closed in the wake of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam area of South Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, LG Sinha said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing security scenario. “Tourist destinations were closed after the April 22 attack as a precautionary measure. After reviewing the ground situation, it has now been decided to reopen these spots for tourists in a phased manner,” he said.
As part of the first phase, several scenic locations in Anantnag district will be reopened for public access. These include the famous Betab Valley, Verinag, Kokernag, and Achabal gardens, along with the parks in Pahalgam market area.
In Srinagar, the capital city, Badamwari, Duck Park, and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal shrine are among the destinations that will once again welcome visitors.
Expressing optimism over the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, LG Sinha said the annual pilgrimage can serve as a pivotal opportunity to rejuvenate tourism in the region. “I urge the people to come forward and make this year’s Yatra a grand success. This is your Yatra, it will help in improving the local economy and reviving tourism,” he stated.
Notably, yesterday, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani had appealed to the LG to consider the re-opening of the soft tourist destinations to boost the revive the tourism sector.
The announcement comes as a relief for tourism operators, hoteliers, and small businesses who had been bearing the brunt of restricted tourist activity since the April incident.
The LG also hinted at further reopening of additional sites in the coming weeks, depending on the evolving security situation and public cooperation. [KNT]
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