J&K Tourism Reopening: LG Manoj Sinha Orders Immediate Opening of 14 Sites After High-Level Security Review

SRINAGAR – In a significant move to bolster the local economy and restore normalcy in the Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday ordered the immediate reopening of 14 major tourist destinations. The decision, which comes just ahead of the high-stakes spring tourism season, follows a comprehensive security audit and high-level discussions with central agencies.

The reopening of these sites, many of which have been inaccessible to the public since the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, marks a critical turning point for the Union Territory’s hospitality sector. Among the prominent spots cleared for visitors are the iconic Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar and the high-altitude meadows of Yousmarg and Doodhpathri.

Strategic Decision Following Union Home Minister’s Visit

The timing of the LG’s order is being viewed as a direct outcome of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent high-level security review meeting in Jammu. According to officials familiar with the matter, the security apparatus conducted a site-by-site assessment to ensure that robust safety protocols are in place for both domestic and international travelers.

Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), LG Manoj Sinha stated that the decision was finalized after a “thorough security review.” He emphasized that while these 14 spots are to be opened immediately, four additional destinations remain on a waitlist pending the clearance of heavy winter snow.

Phase-wise Restoration: A Boost for the 2026 Spring Season

This latest announcement represents the third phase of a broader strategy to reactivate J&K’s tourism map. Since June 2025, the administration has been cautiously reopening sites that were shuttered in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident. With these 14 new additions, the total number of restored tourist sites has reached 42.

Key Destinations Reopened in Kashmir Division

The Kashmir Division sees the lion’s share of the restoration, with 11 sites cleared for immediate footfall:

• Budgam: The sprawling meadows of Yousmarg and Doodhpathri, essential for eco-tourism.
• Srinagar: The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden and Astanpora.
• Anantnag: Dandipora Park (Kokernag).
• Shopian: The scenic Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan, and Padpawan.
• Ganderbal: Thajwas Glacier and Hung Park.
• Baramulla: Wullar/Watlab area.

Strategic Sites Reopened in Jammu Division

In the Jammu Division, three key spiritual and adventure tourism hubs have been reopened:

• Reasi: Devi Pindi, a popular trekking and religious site.
• Ramban: Mahu Mangat, known for its untouched natural beauty.
• Kishtwar: Mughal Maidan.

Political Consensus and Local Economic Impact

The reopening comes amid persistent calls from the elected government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. In recent Assembly sessions, the Chief Minister had criticized the continued closure of these hubs, arguing that “blanket bans” on tourism were detrimental to the livelihoods of thousands of pony owners, shikara wallas, and hoteliers.

Local stakeholders, including the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), have hailed the move as a “confidence-building measure.” The reopening of the Tulip Garden is particularly crucial, as the annual Tulip Festival serves as the unofficial kickoff for the spring season, typically attracting over 300,000 visitors within a single month.

Safety Protocols and Future Outlook

While the gates are opening, the security grid remains on high alert. Sources indicate that enhanced surveillance, including drone monitoring and increased patrolling at entry points, will be standard at sensitive locations like Peer Ki Gali and Thajwas Glacier.

LG Sinha also clarified that four specific sites, Gurez, Athwatoo, and Bangus in Kashmir, and Ramkund in Jammu, will be reopened the moment the Border Roads Organization (BRO) completes snow-clearance operations. This ensures that the tourism push is balanced with the physical safety of travelers navigating treacherous mountain passes.

Impact on 2026 Tourism Projections

Industry experts predict that with the restoration of these 14 sites, Jammu and Kashmir could see a record-breaking year for tourism in 2026. The accessibility of diverse locations, from the wetlands of Wullar to the glaciers of Ganderbal, allows for a more distributed flow of tourists, reducing the pressure on traditional hubs like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

For the residents of J&K, this order is more than just a policy shift; it is a signal that the region is ready to reclaim its status as “Paradise on Earth” while maintaining a vigilant eye on peace and stability.