Doodhpathri Closed for Tourists: Local Livelihoods Affected, LG Manoj Sinha and DGP Urged to Intervene
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir:
The famous tourist destination of Doodhpathri in Jammu and Kashmir has been closed to tourists, severely impacting the livelihoods of local residents. Even today, tourists were turned away from the Riyaar entrance. Mohammad Rafiq Wani, National General Secretary of the BMF Print & Electronic Media Cell, and Mohammad Shafi Mir, State Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir BMF, have expressed deep concern over this situation and have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the DGP for immediate intervention.
Reason for Closure: Security Concerns
According to information received, Doodhpathri and several other tourist destinations in the valley have been closed due to security concerns. The government took this step after the terrorist attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. Following warnings of additional terrorist attacks from intelligence agencies, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has proactively closed more than 48 tourist spots as a precautionary measure. These closed locations include Doodhpathri, Kokernag, Daksum, Sinthan Top, Achabal, Bangus Valley, Margan Top, and Tosamaidan.
Although no formal order has been issued by officials in this regard, entry to these places has been restricted. The gates of several “Mughal Gardens” in South Kashmir have also been shut.
Impact on Local Livelihoods
Tourist destinations like Doodhpathri are a significant source of income for the local population. Small businesses dependent on tourism, hotels, guesthouses, local guides, taxi drivers, and other service providers are directly affected by this closure. Mohammad Rafiq Wani and Mohammad Shafi Mir have emphasized that such sudden and indefinite closures are causing massive losses to the local economy, putting the livelihoods of many families at risk.
Demand for Intervention
BMF media officials have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and the Director General of Police (DGP) to intervene immediately in this matter. They have urged the government to find a solution that balances security and local livelihoods. Local residents are demanding that either the tourist spots be reopened in a secure environment or alternative livelihood opportunities be provided to those affected.
Contact Information:
- Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department:
- Corporate Office (Srinagar): 0194 – 2502270, 2502271
- Email: info@jktdc.co.in
- Jammu and Kashmir Police Headquarters (DGP Office):
- Srinagar (May-October): 0194-2443011, 0194-2443012
- Email: phqjk@jkpolice.gov.in, dgpjkphq-eoff@jkpolice.gov.in
- Lieutenant Governor’s Office, Jammu and Kashmir:
- To contact Honorable Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, the official website or public grievance portal can be used. Direct contact numbers are generally not publicly available.
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