In a delight for the authorities surge of tourists has been reported in Bhaderwah over the past fortnight, following which security arrangements have been strengthened across snow-bound tourist destinations in entire Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to officials, the visible deployment of security personnel 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, is aimed at boosting visitors’ confidence and maintaining strict vigilance to ensure their safety.
Despite harsh weather conditions, the strong presence of Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) and paramilitary forces, coupled with local hospitality, has helped allay initial apprehensions, enabling tourists to enjoy the natural scenery and activities such as playing with snow.
“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 said while speaking to a news agency.
Despite recent snowfall and very harsh weather conditions with night temperatures dropping to several degrees below the freezing point, the forces are providing security cover in high-altitude tourist destinations for the tourists so that they can feel completely secure.Visitors are also appreciating the round-the-clock security arrangements and hospitality extended by local vendors.
“We were initially a bit skeptical about safety before coming here, but after reaching Guldanda and visiting Chattergalla Pass, all our fears fizzled out, said a tourist Vishal Sharma from Maharashtra.
Local stakeholders and tourism strategists have attributed the recent boom in the industry to timely snowfall, coupled with the robust security grid provided by the police and other security forces.“Earlier, we used to see only the Army deployed at high altitudes during this time of the year when snowfall occurs and temperatures drop well below zero. However, this time, despite limited resources, Jammu and Kashmir Police is doing a commendable job by providing round-the-clock security,” Rashid Choudhary, a local, said.
According to president of the Vendors Association Guldanda, Yasir Wani, more than 19000 tourists have visited the destination in the last 15 days after the first snowfall.Meanwhile, the residents of Bhaderwah in general and tourism stakeholders in particular have welcomed the Centre’s decision to construct a multi-crore cable car project from the Mathola village to 12,500-foot-high Seoj Dhar in the foothills of mighty Kailash Kund glacier.
Seoj Dhar is one of the largest and most beautiful meadows, spread over 30 km, which starts from Bhaderwah in the Doda district to Basantgarh area of the Udhampur district. The meadow remains covered with snow for seven months from November to May, making it the ideal destination for adventure and winter sports.
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