Taking no chances, security arrangements have been strengthened across snow-bound tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda.
Security personnel have been deployed at popular high-altitude meadows, including Chattargalla (11,000 ft), Panj Nallah (10,200 ft), and Guldanda (9,555 ft) along the Bhaderwah–Pathankot highway, after these areas witnessed a surge of tourists over the past fortnight. The move is aimed at boosting visitors' confidence and maintaining strict vigilance to ensure their safety, officials told the press on Saturday.
Despite harsh weather conditions, the strong presence of the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) and paramilitary forces has added an extra layer of comfort alongside local hospitality.
"Bhaderwah is one of the most beautiful destinations and attracts a large number of tourists, but heavy snowfall in the high-altitude mountains surrounding the valley poses significant security challenges, as visitors tend to venture into snow-covered meadows and passes, particularly along the Bhaderwah-Pathankot Highway and the Bhaderwah-Chamba inter-state road," Superintendent of Police Vinod Sharma told PTI.
Despite recent snowfall and very harsh weather conditions, with night temperatures dropping several degrees below freezing, the forces are providing security cover in high-altitude tourist destinations so that visitors can feel completely secure.
Visitors are also appreciating the round-the-clock security arrangements and hospitality extended by local vendors. Adequate check-posts were in place, and the friendly attitude of the locals made the trip more enjoyable, tourists reportedly told the news agency.
According to the president of the Guldanda vendors' association, Yasir Wani, more than 19,000 tourists have visited the destination in the last 15 days following the first snowfall.
Bhaderwah is also gearing up for a two-day winter festival to be held on January 17 and 19 at Guldanda and the New Bus Stand, Bhaderwah.
Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh said the district administration has made the best possible arrangements for the success of the festival, which is aimed at promoting winter tourism and boosting local economic activities. He said that comprehensive security arrangements would be put in place at all tourist destinations and religious sites to ensure the safety of tourists and residents.
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