Green Signal for Tourism: 16 J&K Spots Reopened for Visitors

After weeks of closure following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced the reopening of 16 major tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir. The move signals a step toward reviving tourism in the region, backed by heightened security and administrative reassurances.

Reopening After Tragedy

The announcement came during LG Sinha’s visit to Pahalgam, where he reviewed preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The reopening follows a comprehensive security review conducted with Divisional Commissioners and Inspectors General of Police from both Kashmir and Jammu.

More than 40 locations were shut down after the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran meadows, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local pony operator. The reopening of select areas is part of a phased strategy aimed at slowly bringing back normalcy to the region.

Reopened Tourist Spots in Kashmir & Jammu

In Kashmir, the following sites are now open to the public:

• Betaab Valley

• Verinag Garden

• Kokernag Garden

• Achabal Garden

• Local parks in Pahalgam

• Badamwari

• Duck Park (Nigeen Lake)

• Taqdeer Park (Dargah Hazratbal)

In Jammu, these tourist destinations are accessible again:

• Sarthal

• Baggar

• Devi Pindi

• Sehar Baba Waterfall

• Sulha Park

• Gul Danda

• Jai Valley

• Panchari

“Tourists are arriving in large numbers,” said LG Sinha. “Other destinations will reopen in phases.”

Political and Public Push for Reopening

The decision followed mounting public pressure and political appeals. Just a day before the announcement, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani urged the administration to resume activity at “soft” tourist destinations to support the struggling tourism economy.

On Saturday, several local MLAs, including Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Altaf Ahmad Kaloo, Zafar Ali Khatana, Riyaz Ahmad Khan, and Abdul Majid Larmi, also met LG Sinha at Pahalgam, urging him to greenlight tourist operations.

Safety Measures and Yatra Preparedness

Security has been significantly beefed up across all reopened sites. LG Sinha assured that both police and central forces are working in coordination to ensure a safe environment for tourists.

He also described the Amarnath Yatra as a “people’s yatra” and a chance to rejuvenate faith and tourism alike.

“All arrangements are in place,” he said. “Let’s all work together to make it peaceful and successful.”

Vande Bharat and Tourism Sentiment

During his address, the LG mentioned that the recently launched Vande Bharat train service in Kashmir has seen full bookings for the next 10 days.

“This reflects the growing public confidence in Kashmir’s improved security environment,” he said.

Earlier in the day, LG Sinha also held a meeting with key stakeholders, including hoteliers, pony operators, shopkeepers, tour operators, vendors, and tourist guides, to discuss collaborative steps to revive the sector.

Final Thoughts

The reopening of 16 tourist spots marks a significant development for Kashmir’s tourism revival. With enhanced security, administrative support, and increasing public interest, the valley looks set for a cautious but hopeful return to normalcy.