Parliamentary panel calls for stronger security at J&K tourist destinations

A parliamentary committee has recommended the creation of an integrated security and surveillance system covering major tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.

The panel has proposed centralised monitoring, extensive CCTV coverage, regular assessments of vulnerabilities and periodic security audits to strengthen preparedness at tourist locations.

The recommendations form part of a report examining governance, socio-economic development, border security and internal security in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as border preparedness in Ladakh.

The committee’s recommendations come in the aftermath of the April 22, 2025 terror attack in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, in which 26 people, largely tourists, were killed.

The panel has also called for standard operating procedures involving different security and government agencies to be clearly defined and reviewed before every major tourist season. The aim is to ensure that agencies can coordinate quickly if a security incident occurs.

A committee delegation visited Jammu, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Kargil from May 11 to 15, 2026. During the visit, members examined security arrangements in Gulmarg, discussed the law-and-order situation in Sonmarg with police officials and reviewed border preparedness in Kargil with representatives of the Indian Army.

The committee noted that tourist numbers in Jammu and Kashmir have been increasing, making security arrangements an important factor in sustaining the region’s tourism industry and maintaining visitors’ confidence.

It recommended that busy tourist locations have dedicated emergency-response teams, properly equipped ambulances, trauma-care facilities and clearly marked evacuation routes.

The panel also suggested displaying emergency telephone numbers and safety guidance prominently at hotels, transport hubs and other tourist facilities, with information provided in several languages.