ibn sultan
Srinagar, Feb 16: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday ordered the reopening of 14 tourist destinations across the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, nearly a year after they were temporarily closed as a precautionary security measure.
In a post on social media platform ‘X’, the Lt Governor said the decision was taken following a thorough security review and detailed discussions. He directed the immediate restoration of visitor access to 11 tourist sites in the Kashmir Valley and three in the Jammu region.
In the Kashmir division, the reopened destinations include Yousmarg and Doodhpathri in Budgam district; Dandipora Park in Kokernag; Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Padpawan in Shopian; Astanpora and the Tulip Garden in Srinagar; Thajwas Glacier and Hung Park in Ganderbal; and Wullar Lake in Baramulla.
In the Jammu division, restrictions have been lifted at Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Mangat in Ramban, and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar.
Officials, however, stated that four additional sites — Gurez, Athwatoo and Bangus in Kashmir, and Ramkund in Ramban — will be reopened only after snow clearance from access roads, as these high-altitude areas remain snowbound.
A senior tourism official said the reopening of these destinations is expected to boost tourism and provide relief to local businesses that had been affected by the prolonged closure.
