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J-K CM Omar Abdullah to Push for Reopening Key Tourist Spots with Home Minister

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the prolonged closure of key tourist destinations like Doodpathri, Tosamaidan, and Yousmarg for about nine months due to security reasons is causing severe distress. He highlighted the adverse impact on the local economy and livelihoods of stakeholders like guides and ponywalas. The Chief Minister announced he will raise the issue of reopening these spots with the visiting Union Home Minister. He also mentioned a proposed relief package and that a ropeway project is planned for Tosamaidan.

Key Points: J-K CM to Take Up Tourist Spot Closures with Home Minister

  • Tourist spots closed 9 months for security
  • Local economy, livelihoods severely hit
  • CM to raise reopening with Union Home Minister
  • Relief package under consideration for affected youth
  • Ropeway project proposed for Tosamaidan
2 min read

Prolonged closure of key tourist spots impacts livelihoods; J-K CM to take up reopening issue with Home Minister

CM Omar Abdullah says prolonged closure of Doodpathri, Tosamaidan, Yousmarg hurts local economy and youth, will raise issue with Union Home Minister.

"prolonged closure has adversely affected the local economy and severely impacted the livelihood - Chief Minister Omar Abdullah"

Jammu, February 6

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday highlighted that the prolonged closure of several tourist destinations has caused "distress" among local youth, and the government is considering a relief package to support those affected during the ongoing Budget Session.

The Chief Minister was responding to a question from MLA Khansahib Saif ud Din Bhat about the closure of tourist sites in his constituency.

He informed the House that internationally known tourist destinations such as Doodpathri, Tosamaidan, and Yousmarg have remained closed to tourists for about nine months due to security-related considerations, a release said.

The Chief Minister said he would raise the issue of reopening these tourist destinations with the Union Home Minister, who is currently visiting Jammu and Kashmir.

Holding the Tourism portfolio, the Chief Minister stated that the prolonged closure has adversely affected the local economy and severely impacted the livelihood of ATV operators, vehicle owners, ponywalas, stall owners, guides and other stakeholders dependent on tourism activities in these areas.

He added that the continued closure has caused distress among local youth, including those who had obtained loans from various financial institutions to run tourism-related businesses at these destinations.

The Chief Minister said that the matter of reopening Doodpathri, Tosamaidan, and Yousmarg involves security considerations that are beyond the Tourism Department's mandate at present.

He further stated that a DO letter from MLA Khansahib regarding this matter has been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, for appropriate action, as per the release.

Due to an unfortunate incident at Pahalgam and the consequent restrictions imposed by the District Administration, the Snow Skating Games at Doodpathri could not be organised, the Chief Minister said.

Regarding the ropeway project at Tosamaidan, the Chief Minister informed that the Gondola/Ropeway Project has been proposed by the PWD (R&B) Department through National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under the Parvatmala Scheme.

Notably, the session will culminate on April 4, 2026. The budget session will be extended to 62 days. It will have a 35-day recess from February 20 to March 26, 2026, due to the holy month of Ramzan, followed by the Eid festival.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Doodpathri before the closure, it's heartbreaking. The local guides and stall owners were so welcoming. The economic ripple effect must be massive. A relief package is a good first step, but reopening safely should be the ultimate goal.
R
Rohit P
Security considerations are paramount, we all agree. But a balance must be struck. Young people with bank loans are suffering the most. The government should have had a contingency plan in place much earlier instead of waiting 9 months to "consider" a relief package.
P
Priya S
The ropeway project at Tosamaidan sounds promising for the future, but what about the present? People need to eat today. Hope the CM's discussion is fruitful. J&K's beauty should be accessible to all Indians safely.
V
Vikram M
This is the real cost of instability that often goes unreported. Not just politics, but everyday lives of ponywalas, guides, and tea stall owners. Respect to the MLA for raising the issue. The centre and state need to work together on this urgently.
K
Kavya N
It's good they're thinking of a relief package, but it shouldn't become a permanent substitute for tourism. These places are gems. Cancelling the Snow Skating Games is also a big loss for sports tourism. Let's hope for a positive resolution soon! 🤞

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