Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have shut down 48 resorts and tourist destinations across the Valley amid security concerns, officials said on Tuesday.
The decision comes in the wake of a comprehensive security audit conducted across 87 tourist locations in all districts, following last week’s deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident. The audit was aimed at identifying security vulnerabilities and bolstering safety measures at major tourist destinations.
Among the prominent destinations now off-limits to tourists is Gurez, a valley on the Line of Control (LoC) in Bandipora district that attracted thousands of tourists over the last decade.
The other top destinations closed include Yousmarg and Doodhpathri in Budgam; Aharbal, Kounsarnag, and Verinag in south Kashmir; Kaman Post on LoC in Baramulla; and the picturesque Bangus Valley in Kupwara.
In Srinagar city, the government has decided not to allow the tourists from visiting Jamia Masjid, the grand mosque located in the old city.
The famous resorts like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg would remain open for tourists.
Authorities emphasized that the tourist spots which remain open have been provided with enhanced security arrangements to ensure safety of visitors.
The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has also closed all its trekking routes for tourists. Over the past four years, both locals and non-local visitors had increasingly flocked to Kashmir’s meadows and alpine trails, especially during the summer trekking season.
While the Valley had witnessed a rise in tourist arrivals in recent years, the Pahalgam attack has dealt a severe blow to the tourism industry. Over the last six days, several tourists have left Kashmir while many others have cancelled their coming travel plans to Kashmir.
