Jammu, February 06 : The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that three prominent tourist destinations — Doodhpathri, Tosamaidan and Yousmarg — have remained closed for tourist activities for the last about nine months due to security-related considerations.
In a written reply to a query by Legislator Saif ud Din Bhat, the Tourism Department as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) acknowledged the adverse impact of the prolonged closure on the local economy and livelihoods.
The department stated that the shutdown has affected ATV operators, vehicle owners, ponywalas, stall owners, guides and other stakeholders dependent on tourism in these areas.
It further noted that the continued closure has caused distress among local youth, including those who had taken loans from financial institutions to run tourism-related businesses.
On the question of reopening these destinations, the government said the matter involves security considerations, which fall beyond the mandate of the Tourism Department. It added that a DO letter from MLA Khansahib has been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam for appropriate action.
Regarding the Snow Skating Games at Doodhpathri, the department said the event could not be organised due to the unfortunate incident at Pahalgam and subsequent restrictions imposed by the district administration.
Concerning the Gondola/Ropeway Project at Tosamaidan, it was stated that the project has been proposed by the PWD (R&B) Department through the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under the Parvatmala Scheme, as per a government order dated September 06, 2023.
The reply was tabled during the ongoing budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. (KNS)
