Bhaderwah, 27April

The famous high-altitude tourist destinations of Guldanda and Chattargalla in this scenic area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district were reopened for visitors on Sunday amid heightened security arrangements including deployment of army, officials said.

The two much-sought after tourists destinations along the Bhaderwah-Pathankot national highway were closed for visitors as a precautionary measure in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam hill resort on 22 April that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.

After fresh review of the security arrangements along with deployment of additional forces, both the destinations were opened with Army and police deployments welcoming the holiday-makers by presenting roses, a development which brought cheers on the faces of the locals connected with tourism.

The officials said the district administration Doda has enhanced the security grid around all the famous destinations to ensure foolproof security to the tourists after the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack dented the tourism prospects of entire Jammu and Kashmir and left thousands of people jobless.

According to the data issued by Bhadarwah department Authority, over 3700 tourists have crossed the Nalthi check post till 3 pm, which is a good sign keeping in view the security.