After months of closure, J&K’s tourist sites welcome visitors again
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By Aatif Qayoom
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30 Sep 2025
Srinagar, Sep 30: The reopening of 12 key tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir has brought relief to hundreds of families who lost their livelihoods following the Pahalgam terror attack.
These sites, including Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park Bijbehara, DaraShikoh Garden in Anantnag, Kaman Post and Eco-Park Khadniyar in Baramulla, among others across the Union Territory, had been closed for months as a security precaution.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinharecently announced the reopening after a thorough review, calling it a crucial step toward reviving the tourism industry and restoring confidence among local communities.
For months, residents in these areas endured unprecedented hardship. Ponywalas, who depended on pony rides in Pahalgam, left their animals idle, with no income. Shopkeepers in Aru Valley and Baramulla reported an absence of tourists, forcing many to close their businesses.
Street vendors at Padshahi Park and DaraShikoh Garden said they had to borrow money to survive. Rafting operators in Yanner saw their crews remain idle during what is normally peak season. Families reliant on tourism faced financial ruin, many pushed into debt.
Since reopening, the mood on the ground has shifted dramatically. Shops in Aru Valley have reopened, welcoming visitors who stop for tea, snacks, and local handicrafts. Pony rides have resumed, restoring a steady income for Punewalas.
Rafting operators in Yanner have started receiving bookings, signaling a return of adventure tourism. Parks in Bijbehara and Anantnag, once deserted, now bustle with families and tourists, boosting sales for vendors.
In Baramulla, the reopening of Kaman Post and Eco-Park has revitalized roadside businesses, with small shops and tea stalls catering to travelers once again.
Tourism is a major employer in Kashmir, with hundreds of thousands depending on it directly or indirectly. The closure of these 12 destinations impacted not only vendors and operators but also transporters, guides, craftsmen, and daily wage laborers.
Officials indicate that re-opening them was a priority as these places attract domestic as well as international tourists and support the overall economy.
Officials emphasized that reopening these sites was a priority, as they attract both domestic and international tourists and support the broader economy.
With winter approaching, the administration plans to boost winter tourism in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, aiming to further benefit local communities.
Locals express a mix of relief and cautious optimism. Many now feel able to plan for their children’s education and meet basic needs, which were disrupted during the closures. Though the inactivity dented confidence, the return of tourists has renewed hope.
The reopening offers not only economic relief but also psychological reassurance, signaling a return to stability for the communities.
The government has assured stakeholders that facilities at these sites will continue to be upgraded and security strengthened to prevent future disruptions. Authorities also reaffirmed that tourism remains central to Jammu and Kashmir’s development strategy, with efforts ongoing to diversify attractions beyond traditional hotspots.
For those depending on these 12 locations, the reopening means one clear thing: the return of livelihood after months of uncertainty.
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