LG Saxena orders reopening of 14 tourist spots in J and K
Amid a fresh upsurge in the tourist footfall in the Kashmir valley, especially after the launch of Vande Bharat Express, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday ordered the reopening of 14 tourist spots in the Union territory, which were closed in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in April last year.
Around 50 tourist spots were closed down after the terror attack at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22 last year, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.
“After a thorough security review and discussions, I have ordered the reopening of more tourist spots in the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, which were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure,” the LG’s office said on X. With this, the total number of tourist spots reopened after the temporary closure went up to 26.
On September 26, the LG had ordered the reopening of 12 tourist destinations.
“Eleven tourist spots in the Kashmir Division - Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, Dandipora Park in Kokernag, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Padpawan in Shopian, Astanpora, Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Thajwas Glacier, Hung Park in Ganderbal, and Wullar and Watlab in Baramulla - are to be reopened immediately,” Sinha said.
Three tourist spots in the Jammu Division — Devi Pindi in Reasi, MahuMangat in Ramban and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar — are also to be reopened with immediate effect, he said.
“Three sites in the Kashmir Division — Gurez, Athwatoo and Bangus — and one site in the Jammu Division — Ramkund in Ramban — will be reopened once the snow is cleared,” Sinha added.
On the other hand, the Union Territory administration is gearing up in advance to welcome the tourists ahead of the peak tourist season.
After the culmination of the winter carnivals and adventure sport events, all eyes are set on the Tulip Garden as it attracts tourists from different parts of the world.
This year, nearly 1.7 million Tulips, to be displayed at the Tulip Garden. The garden is likely be thrown open at the end of March, depending on the temperature.
