Kashmir Welcomes Reopening Of Tourist Destinations Months After Pahalgam Attack News24 –

Kashmir is witnessing a resurgence in tourism as 16 previously closed sites have reopened their doors to visitors, following the tragic Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22, 2025. This phased reopening, announced by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, signals a significant step towards restoring public confidence and revitalizing the region’s economy.

The reopening includes eight sites in the picturesque Kashmir Valley and eight in the Jammu region, among them popular locations such as Betaab Valley, Verinag Garden, and Achbal Garden. Tourists have welcomed this decision as a positive sign of normalcy returning to the valley, especially with the upcoming Amarnath Yatra expected to further boost tourist activity.

Local residents and businesses, particularly in Pahalgam and Srinagar, are breathing a sigh of relief as their livelihoods, which had been severely impacted by the closures, begin to recover. Pony owners, Shikara operators, and various vendors are optimistic about regaining lost income, as the once-bustling tourist spots start to come alive again.

To ensure tourists safety and address security concerns, the administration has implemented robust security measures. Heavy deployments of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police are now present at both reopened and existing tourist sites. Additionally, high-resolution CCTV and facial recognition systems have been installed at strategic locations to monitor activities continuously. These advanced technologies are designed to enhance safety and deter any potential threats.

In an effort to further promote Kashmir as a safe tourist destination, the government has launched initiatives such as the Vande Bharat train service connecting Kashmir to Katra, which has already led to an increase in tourist arrivals. A recent visit from a parliamentary committee to assess the security situation has also been viewed as a confidence-building measure.