Srinagar, April 29 — Authorities in Kashmir Valley have shut access to at least 48 tourist locations as a precautionary response to security alerts warning of possible attacks targeting visitors.
“Gates have been closed at 48 of the 87 public parks and gardens across Kashmir in view of the threat perception to tourists,” a senior official told The Media, adding that the list is likely to expand.
The move follows warnings from intelligence agencies suggesting that further attacks on tourist areas may be imminent. Though no formal order has been released by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, local officials have confirmed that access to these locations has been quietly restricted.
Among the affected destinations are several recently developed or promoted tourism sites, including Yousmarg, Doodpathri, Bangus Valley, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Verinag Garden, and Baba Reshi. Also shut are areas like Mamneth and Mahadev Hills, Dachigam beyond Trout Farm, Astanmarg View Point, and Buddhist Monastery routes.
Private tourism facilities, such as the Padshapal resorts and restaurants, IVORY Hotel, Eco Village Resort (Dara), North Cliff Cafe, and Forest Hill Cottage, have also been affected.
“Many of these destinations are in remote areas and have only recently been brought into the tourism map,” an official noted.
In south Kashmir, even some of the historic Mughal Gardens are reported to have been locked down completely, a decision that has raised concern among tourism operators and local businesses.
Authorities say security assessments are ongoing, and additional locations may be closed based on the developing threat landscape. “We are monitoring the situation closely and acting on the intelligence inputs as they come,” the official added.
