Srinagar: Amid heightened security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Jammu and Kashmir government has reportedly closed 48 of the 87 tourist destinations across the Valley.
The move is part of broader safety measures being implemented across the Union Territory, with a sharp decline in air passenger traffic further highlighting the impact on tourism.
The destinations closed for the tourists include:
Yousmarg, Tousimaidan, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Bangus, Kariwan Diver Chandigam, Bangus Valley, Wular/Watlab, Rampora and Rajpora, Chearhar, Mundij-Hamam-Markoot Waterfall, Khampoo, Bosnia, Vijitop, Sun Temple, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margantop, Akad Park, Habba Khatoon Point, Babareshi, Ringawali, Gogaldara, Baderkote, Shrunz Waterfall, Kamanpost, Namblan Waterfall, Eco Park Khadniyar, Sangarwani, Jamia Masjid, Badamwari, Rajori Kadal Hotel Kanaaz, Aali Kadal JJ Food Restaurant, IVORY Hotel, Padshapal Resorts and Restaurant, Cherry Tree Resort (Faqir Gujri), North Cliff Cafe and Retreat by Stay Pattern, Forest Hill Cottage, Eco Village Resort (Dara), Astanmarg View Point, Astanmarg Paragliding, Mamneth and Mahadev Hills, Buddhist Monastery, Dachigam – Beyond Trout Farm/Fisheries Farm, Astanpora (especially Qayam Gah Resort), Lachpatri, Hung Park, and Naranag.
According to reports, while the administration has not indicated a timeline for reopening, officials clarified that some of these spots have been closed temporarily, and proper security arrangements have been made at the remaining operational locations.
However, the region’s tourism industry has taken a visible hit, as data from the Srinagar International Airport reveals a sharp drop in passenger traffic.
On 23 April, the airport recorded 17,653 passengers across 112 flights, with 6,561 arrivals and 11,092 departures. The next day, 24 April, saw 15,836 passengers on 118 flights, comprising 4,456 arrivals and 11,380 departures.
The decline continued on 25 April, with 14,041 passengers travelling via 100 scheduled flights and a few additional ones, which carried 24 arrivals and 794 departures.
On 26 April, 14,783 passengers travelled through 106 scheduled flights, while three additional flights carried only 28 arriving and 351 departing passengers.
While the number of flights has remained stable, the load factor, the percentage of seats filled, has dropped significantly.
However, following the recent attack in Baisaran, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified their crackdown on the terror network. Raids were carried out at multiple locations across Srinagar, Doda, and Kishtwar, targeting individuals suspected of links to terrorist outfits. As part of this operation, several residential properties allegedly connected to militants were demolished.
According to an official statement, the searches were conducted strictly in line with legal protocols, under the supervision of Jammu and Kashmir Police officers, and in the presence of executive magistrates and independent witnesses.
It was reported that security personnel have searched more than 600 locations across the Valley and questioned hundreds of suspects.
Since the 22 April incident in Baisaran’s scenic meadows, authorities have also taken down nine houses reportedly associated with terrorists and their overground workers.
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