Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jun 12: 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, which left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead.
Official sources said that the administration has sought the feedback from the security agencies about when to reopen the destinations that were shut after the terror attack at Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam.
An official said, “We don’t want to take any chances. The closed resorts will be opened after getting assurance from everyone. The terror attack had left entire nation shell shocked. The government wants to ensure that all the destinations are secured so that no untoward incident takes place.”
Pertinently, following the Pahalgam terror attack out of 87 tourist destinations the government had ordered closure of 48 places temporarily in April this year.
The destinations which were closed, included Yousmarg, Tousimaidan, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Bangus, Kariwan Diver Chandigam, Bangus Valley, Wular/Watlab, Rampora and Rajpora, Chearhar, Mundij-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall, Khampoo, Bosnia, Vijitop, Sun Temple, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margantop, Akad Park, Habba Khatoon Point, Babareshi, Ringawali, Gogaldara, Baderkote, Shrunz Waterfall, Kamanpost, Namblan Waterfall, Eco Park Khadniyar, Sangarwani, Jamia Masjid, Badamwari, Rajori Kadal Hotel Kanaaz, Aali Kadal JJ Food Restaurant, IVORY Hotel, Padshapal resorts and restaurant, Cherry tree resort (Faqir Gujri), North cliff cafe and retreat by Stay Pattern, Forest hill cottage, Eco village resort (Dara), Astanmarg View Point, Astanmarg Paragliding, Mamneth and Mahadev Hills, Buddhist Monastery,, Dachigam – Beyond Trout Farm / Fisheries Farm, Astanpora(especially Qayam Gah resort, Lachpatri, Hung Park and Naranag.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani on Thursday appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to reopen soft tourist destinations.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a tourism event, Wani, expressed concern over the prolonged closure of several popular spots. “There’s no need to keep the softer tourist spots closed any longer,” Wani said. “Even the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has shown concern over the continued shutdown. I request the Hon’ble LG, who looks after law and order, to consider opening up those sites where there is no security threat.”
Wani said that the closure of these attractions is not only disappointing tourists but also affecting local livelihoods tied to the tourism sector. “Visitors come here from far-off places, but when they find these famous spots closed, they leave disheartened. We must avoid sending the wrong message,” he added.
“Tourism is the backbone of our economy. We must balance security concerns with the need to keep the sector alive and thriving,” the Chief Minister’s Advisor said. (KNO)
