Jahnageer Ganaie
Pahalgam, Jun 14 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced reopening of 16 tourist destinations across Jammu Kashmir, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures after heinous Pahalgam terror attack on tourists on 22nd April.
Of these tourist spots and parks, 8 are in Jammu Division and 8 in Srinagar. Betab valley and Parks in Pahalgam Market, Verinag Garden, Kokernag Garden and Achabal Garden to be reopened from 17th June.
The Lieutenant Governor, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the other tourist destinations being reopened include Badamwari Park, Duck Park, Taqdeer Park in Srinagar, Sarthal, Dhaggar in Kathua, Devi Pindi, Siyad Baba, Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai valley in Doda and Pancheri in Udhampur. Reopening will be in phase-wise manner, he added.
Pertinently, the KNO on Thursday had reported the administration is likely to take a final call soon on reopening the tourist destinations that were closed in Kashmir after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack out of 87 tourist destinations the government had ordered closure of 48 places temporarily in April this year.
LG Sinha also met the 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 exuded hope 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 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 Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Armed forces, Civil and Police administration—(KNO)
