After Pahalgam terror attack, the tourism industry in Kashmir has been hit badly as thousands of intending tourists cancelled their visits. Following the attack, the administration here closed down several parks and tourist destinations in view of security considerations. However, fresh hopes have been rekindled as the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha on Saturday announced these parts and destinations are being reopened in a phased manner for tourists as the divisional commissioners and IGPs of Kashmir and Jammu have taken reports from every district. He said these parks and places will be opened in a phased manner. He disclosed that the destinations that will be re-opened in first phase (May 17) include Beetab Valley and the parks near Pahalgam market in the famous tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Verinag, Kokernag and Achabal gardens in Anantnag district. In Srinagar, Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal will also be reopened in the first phase. Sarthal and Dhaggar in Kathua, Devipindi, Siyad Baba and Sula Park in Reasi, Guldanda and Jai valley in Doda, and Pancheri in Udhampur — all in Jammu region — are also being reopened in the first phase.
Opening of these tourist destinations will send positive signals all over the country and thus help in getting the tourism sector back on rails. Re-opening is being welcomed by the locals who have a culture of visiting these places, particularly, on weekends. LG has assured people that that once the committee comprising of the divisional commissioners and IGPs of both regions will take reports from districts, some more places will be reopened in consultations with the Tourist Department.
It goes without saying the economy of the people of the areas, that have been closed down, majorly depends on tourist footfall. Take, for instance, Drang area of Tangmarg. Normally on weekends it witnesses huge rush of picnicking locals. The waterfall there has become a favourite selfie point for local visitors. However, after Pahalgam terror attack, it too has been closed down impacting the livelihood of small transporters and shopkeepers.
Same is true about other destinations. Though tourists from across the country have started visiting Kashmir, of course in very small numbers compared to pre-22 April, the locals, who have a culture of picnicking are not able to do so with the closure of these destinations. Now that LG administration has decided to re-open these destinations in phased manner, hopefully these destination will witness comfortable footfall in coming days thus helping the shattered economy of the people living there.
