Srinagar, June 14 : After nearly two months of silence at some of Kashmir’s most beloved tourist spots, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday gave the green signal to reopen eight major destinations that had been closed following the deadly militant attack in Pahalgam on April 22.
The reopening marks a cautious yet hopeful step toward normalcy, especially as the region gears up for the annual Amarnath Yatra. Speaking to journalists in South Kashmir, LG Sinha said the decision to restrict access to several tourist locations after the April incident was purely precautionary. “Following a detailed security assessment, we are now in a position to welcome visitors back, gradually and responsibly,” he said.
The first phase of the reopening plan will see key tourist attractions in Anantnag district, Betab Valley, Verinag, Kokernag, and the historic Achabal gardens, made accessible to the public once again. Additionally, parks in the Pahalgam market area, which had also been off-limits, will be reopened.
In Srinagar, the capital city, the gates of Badamwari Garden, Duck Park, and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal will reopen, restoring a sense of vitality to the city’s famed green spaces.
Beyond the tourism move, LG Sinha used the occasion to rally public support for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, calling it a collective opportunity for economic revival.
“This is your Yatra. It belongs to the people of Kashmir. Its success will uplift our economy and tourism sector,” he said, appealing to citizens to play their part in ensuring the pilgrimage proceeds peacefully. (CNS)
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