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, a year after they were temporarily closed as part of precautionary security measures.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, the Lt Governor as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) stated that the decision was taken following a “thorough security review and discussion.” He directed the immediate resumption of visitor access to 11 sites in the Kashmir Valley and three in the Jammu region.
The destinations in the Kashmir division cleared for reopening include Yousmarg and Doodhpathri in Budgam district; Dandipara Park in Kokernag; Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan, and Padpawan in Shopian; Astanpora, the Tulip Garden in Srinagar; Thajwas Glacier in Ganderbal; Hung Park in Ganderbal; and Wullar Lake in Baramulla.
In the Jammu division, restrictions have been lifted at three sites: Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Mangat in Ramban, and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar.
However, officials said four additional sites—Gurez, Athwatoo, and Bangus in the Kashmir division, and Ramkund in Ramban—will be reopened only after snow is cleared from the access routes. These areas, located at higher altitudes, remain snowbound. The administration is awaiting clear weather and road clearance to ensure safe travel for visitors.
A senior tourism official told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the reopening is expected to provide a fillip to local tourism-dependent businesses, which had expressed concern over the extended closure of these sites. (KNS)
