Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In the wake of the April 22 terror attack at Pahalgam (Baisaran Valley), the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken a significant decision regarding tourism. Citing security reasons, authorities have closed 48 out of 87 public parks and gardens located in sensitive areas of the Kashmir Valley.
Entry Banned At Major Tourist Spots
Although no formal notification has been issued yet, access to these sites has been restricted. Prominent destinations now under restrictions include:
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Bandipora’s Gurez Valley
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Budgam’s Yusmarg, Tosamaidan, Doodhpathri
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Kulgam’s Aharbal, Kausarnag
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Kupwara’s Bangus Valley, Karivan Diversion, Chandigam
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Handwara’s Bangus Valley
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Sopore’s Wular/Watlab, Rampora and Rajpora
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Anantnag’s Khiribal Sun Temple, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Akad Park
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Baramulla’s Habba Khatoon Point Kawar, Baba Reshi Tangmarg, Ringa Wali Tangmarg, Gogaldara Tangmarg, Badarkot Tangmarg, Shrunj Waterfall, Kaman Post Uri, Nambla Waterfall, Eco Park Khadinyar
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Pulwama’s Sangarwani
Popular Srinagar Sites Also Shut
In Srinagar, prominent sites like Jamia Masjid, Badamwari, and eateries and resorts including Hotel Kanaz, JJ Food Restaurant, Ivory Hotel Gandtal, Padshahpal Resorts, Cherry Tree Resort, North Cliff Café & Retreat, and Forest Hill Cottage have been closed.
Adventure spots such as Astanmarg View Point, Astanmarg Paragliding Spot, Mamneith and Mahadev Hills (via Fakir Gujri), and Buddhist Monastery Harwan, as well as the trout farming zones beyond Dachigam, are also off-limits.
Ganderbal District Affected Too
Other affected areas include Lachpatri Lateral, Hang Park, and Naranag in Ganderbal district.
Security Agencies On High Alert
Sources have revealed that following the Pahalgam attack, sleeper cells of terrorists have reportedly become active across the Valley. Intelligence inputs indicate that these groups have received orders for targeted killings and are plotting major strikes to avenge the demolition of terrorist houses by security forces post the Pahalgam incident.