CM reviews CAPEX works, emergency preparedness, tourist safety
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, May 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that joint efforts are needed to ensure safety of the tourists in Kashmir and there is a need for rebuilding the confidence from within before the tourists from other parts of the country.
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Talking to reporters, the Chief Minister said that there is a need for rebuilding the confidence from within before the tourists from the other parts of the country.
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Omar said that while security concerns remain paramount, it is equally critical for the administration to take visible, confident steps toward reopening destinations and restoring public confidence.
“We cannot wait for others. We must take the first step,” he said, adding that J&K must take a lead in reviving tourism post the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
“It is obvious that after April 22, the whole process had come to a halt. That’s why we are taking the first step ourselves,” the Chief Minister said while referring to the stepped-up presence Ministers and top bureaucrats in key tourist spots.
Omar said that the Education Minister has been directed to encourage schools and colleges to organize excursions and picnics at major destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam – both to signal calm and to re-establish public trust.
The Chief Minister said that all the three Governments including Government of India, Raj Bhawan and an elected Government need to put joint efforts to ensure the safety of the tourists here.
Omar also welcomed a voluntary visit by a delegation of members, saying their initiative reflected growing public support for peace and recovery. “We didn’t invite them. They contacted us themselves and expressed their desire to visit. I hope their visit proves beneficial for tourism here,” he stated.
On the issue of security restrictions still in place, the Chief Minister acknowledged that several destinations remain either fully or partially closed. “Yes, there are areas still closed – like Doodhpathri, Betab Valley and parts of Gulmarg and Pahalgam. But if we are serious about restarting tourism, we must gradually reassess and reduce these restrictions,” he said.
Omar chaired Cabinet meeting in Gulmarg that was attended by all Ministers and Administrative Secretaries and it was aimed at alleviating public fear, reinforcing a sense of security and paving the way for the revival of Kashmir’s tourism economy.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javed Ahmed Dar, Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Legislative Assembly Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta.
All Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, senior police officers, heads of several departments, CEO Tourism Development Authority Gulmarg and other officials were also present.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that if the Prime Minister can convene a meeting to review tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and tour operators from Maharashtra and Gujarat can visit the region voluntarily-not because they were invited, but because they want to contribute to the normalization process-then it is imperative for the state government to take the matching steps.
“These meetings are not symbolic; they are part of a larger effort to initiate a return to normalcy and restore confidence,” he said. “We must do this with sensitivity and without appearing forceful.”
He emphasized the importance of participating in major tourism events outside J&K. “Our absence from such events can send the wrong signal. Tour operators, both from within and outside J&K, have expressed the need for our visible presence at upcoming tourism trade fairs. We are already taking part in major events like those in Ahmedabad and Kolkata, and participation in all major events is being planned carefully,” he said.
Omar noted that this was the first time such an administrative meeting was held outside the twin Secretariats of Jammu and Srinagar. “In my previous tenure, we took the Cabinet to remote areas, but senior-level departmental reviews were confined to the capitals. Holding this meeting here is to transition away from the unfortunate events of the last six weeks.”
Referring to his participation in the recent NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said he had urged the PM and other Ministers to consider J&K, especially the Valley, as a venue for central PSU board meetings and conferences-particularly in the summer when most seek respite from the heat.
“We had several Parliamentary Committee meetings scheduled in the Valley which were cancelled after April 22. I’ve requested the Centre to work with the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats to bring those meetings back. Some Ministers have already committed to doing so.”
On the livelihoods impacted after the Pahalgam attack, he expressed concern for those most vulnerable. “The number of people dependent on tourism has grown significantly in recent years. While larger businesses might endure a downturn, smaller players-like shikara operators, taxi drivers, and homestay owners-face immediate financial distress. For them, daily earnings mean daily survival. We’re working on an assistance package to support them.”
He also pointed to the opportunity presented by the current-lull in tourism. “Normally, peak season leaves us with little space to focus on development. Now, we can push pending infrastructure and tourism-related projects.”
Touching upon upcoming religious events like Mela Kheer Bhawani, Eid, Muharram, and the Amarnath Yatra, he said this year’s pilgrimage will be especially challenging. “From a security and logistical standpoint, we must ensure the Yatra is conducted smoothly. I am confident, given your experience, that all necessary arrangements will be made.”
The Chief Minister reviewed CAPEX works, emergency preparedness, tourist safety, sports and adventure tourism, mobile connectivity, and sectors like health and rural development. The preparedness for upcoming religious festivals was discussed in detail.
Later, Omar also met delegations from various trade associations in Gulmarg and interacted with visiting tourists.
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