Srinagar, April 28: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has closed 48 out of 87 tourist destinations in Kashmir, citing security concerns, a move that has sparked dismay among tourists and local businesses. The shuttered sites include popular spots like Yusmarg, Tosa Maidan, Doodhpathri, Aharbal, Kusar Nag, Bangus Valley, Wular/Watlab, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Jamia Masjid, and Badamwari, among others. The decision, effective immediately, has left the region’s tourism industry grappling with uncertainty.

The closures extend beyond natural attractions to include hotels, resorts, and restaurants such as Rajouri Kadal Hotel, Ivory Hotel, Padshah Palace Resort, and North Cliff Café. Key areas like Dachigam (beyond the trout/fisheries farm), parts of Astanpora, and Mamnath and Mahadev Hills are also off-limits. A government official, speaking anonymously, stated, “Some sites have been temporarily closed, while adequate security has been deployed at others.” However, no specific reasons or timelines for reopening were provided, fueling speculation and concern among stakeholders.

The move is a significant blow to Kashmir’s tourism sector, a vital lifeline for the region’s economy. Local business owners fear the closures will deter visitors during the peak season. “This is a disaster for us,” said a Srinagar-based hotelier. “Tourists will turn to other destinations, and our livelihoods will suffer.” With no clear roadmap for reopening, the closures threaten to disrupt the fragile recovery of Kashmir’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on its scenic landscapes and cultural heritage. Authorities have yet to address the growing chorus of voices calling for clarity and support for affected communities.