A devastating terror attack in the scenic meadow of Baisaran, near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has deeply impacted the region’s tourism sector. The attack, which took place on Tuesday, April 22, left at least 26 people dead, mostly tourists, and injured several others, prompting a mass exodus from the valley at the height of the spring tourism season.
Tourists flee the valley amid growing fear
The serene meadows of Baisaran, known for attracting thousands of visitors each year during spring, turned into a site of horror after the tragic incident. In response, tourists currently in Kashmir have begun cutting their trips short, while those planning future visits are reconsidering.
Local travel operators report a staggering wave of cancellations. “Close to 80 percent of our bookings have been cancelled,” said Aijaz Ali, a Srinagar-based tour operator. “Years of efforts to boost tourism have been undone in a single day. Convincing tourists to return will be a significant challenge.”x
Government responds with emergency measures
In the wake of the attack, both central and state governments have stepped in to manage the situation. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat assured the public that his ministry is working closely with Jammu and Kashmir authorities to mitigate the impact on tourism. He stressed the importance of restoring confidence among travellers and promised that efforts are underway to minimize the long-term damage to the tourism industry.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the tragic loss and the resulting panic. “It’s heartbreaking to witness this sudden outflow of guests from our valley,” he said on X (formerly Twitter). He announced several steps to ensure tourists’ safe return, including organizing extra flights and managing traffic flow along NH-44, the key highway connecting Srinagar and Jammu.
Transport and aafety arrangements in place
To support the safe evacuation of tourists, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to prevent price surges on flights departing from Srinagar. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo are operating additional flights to Mumbai and Delhi to accommodate the sudden demand.
Moreover, while NH-44 has been reopened in a limited capacity, the state government is regulating traffic to ensure safe travel through unstable road sections. Stranded vehicles are being cleared as quickly as possible, with authorities urging cooperation from travellers during this sensitive time.
Despite the grim circumstances, the resilience of both locals and some visitors offers a glimmer of hope. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how quickly Kashmir can rebuild its image as a safe and welcoming travel destination.
