In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, several popular tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir were temporarily closed as part of heightened security protocols. The incident delivered a severe blow to the Valley’s tourism sector, which had been gradually recovering in recent years. Now, in an encouraging development for the local economy and travel community, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced the phased reopening of these destinations, commencing on June 17. Sixteen sites—equally divided between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions—are set to welcome visitors once more. In the Kashmir division, the destinations include Betab Valley and the public parks in the Pahalgam market area—locations that had remained closed since the April attack. Additionally, the gardens of Verinag, Kokernag and Achabal are scheduled to reopen. In Srinagar, Badamwari Park, Duck Park and Taqdeer Park also form part of the reopening plan. In the Jammu division, scenic sites such as Sarthal and Dhaggar in Kathua, Devi Pindi, Siyad Baba, and Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai Valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur are among those being revived for tourism. The announcement followed the Lieutenant Governor’s recent visit to Pahalgam, where he met with public representatives including MLAs, DDC Chairpersons, tourism stakeholders, Ponywala associations, and hotel operators. These interactions underscored the urgent need to revitalise local livelihoods that are intricately linked to the tourism industry. The Lieutenant Governor assured the delegation that further destinations would be reopened once comprehensive security assessments are completed. As the Union Territory prepares for the annual Amarnath Yatra—scheduled to commence on July 3—the Lieutenant Governor emphasised both the symbolic and practical significance of the pilgrimage. He called upon the public to regard the Yatra not merely as a religious journey, but as a shared civic responsibility reflecting the collective spirit of the people. He stated that the security agencies have devised an extensive safety plan for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. The reopening of these tourist destinations is expected to send a strong message that Kashmir is once again ready to receive visitors. It also offers renewed hope to the thousands of families, businesses, and workers whose livelihoods are intertwined with the travel and hospitality sectors. Meanwhile, the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) has extended its full support to tourism in Kashmir, asserting the importance of standing in solidarity with the Valley’s tourism sector. Ajay Prakash, the national president of TAFI, noted that the federation’s visit to Kashmir aimed to reassure the wider public that the region is safe and open for travellers. He highlighted that representatives from all 12 TAFI chapters across India—including their respective chairmen and committees—were present in the Valley to express unity. Prakash emphasised that Kashmir, described by him as a destination with ‘no equal’, remains central to India’s tourism narrative. The federation, he added, would work actively to spread awareness that Kashmir is once again ready to welcome tourists. This definitely is good news for the Valley’s tourism sector.
Hope Returns
