Visitors throng Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg to welcome 2026
Srinagar, Dec 31: Authorities have beefed up the security across Kashmir as tourists in large numbers have arrived in the Valley to celebrate the New Year.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) popular destinations including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam are full. “Authorities have made the security arrangements stringent to ensure a safe and orderly festive environment. A tight vigil is being maintained at key entry points, including Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, and at other prominent locations, ” said an official.
He said, “Frisking and vehicle inspections have been intensified to ensure public safety.”
“Personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police, the CRPF, and other forces have been deployed in strength to ensure that celebrations pass off peacefully,” the official said, adding, “Senior officials reviewed the security scenario at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on late Wednesday evening. They also interacted with tourists and exchanged greetings. They reviewed security arrangements as visitors gathered to welcome the year 2026.”
“All forces are on high alert, crowded areas are being monitored 24x 7,” the official added.
Security personnel have been deployed in large numbers along the Gulmarg–Tangmarg road to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.
“Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg witnessed a heavy rush throughout the day, with visitors enjoying the picturesque landscapes and winter festivities. The smooth crowd management, with checkpoints and patrolling are aimed at ensuring minimal disruption,” said an official.
Adding to the festive mood, the Meteorological Department forecast light to moderate rain and snowfall over most parts of the Valley from Wednesday night to Thursday morning, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected in higher reaches including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and parts of North Kashmir.
Snowfall in the Valley, which had largely been absent in recent New Year periods, is expected to enhance the winter tourism experience.
“Considering the weather predictions and the tourist rush, all agencies, including security forces along the Line of Control in North Kashmir are vigilant. Safety and smooth movement are our top priorities,” said another senior official.
‘TOURISM SECTOR WITNESSING REVIVAL’
Meanwhile, Director of Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad said that the Kashmir’s tourism sector is witnessing a revival, with snowfall and renewed confidence attracting visitors back to the Valley.
He said tourist footfall had returned to near-normal levels after a brief dip earlier this year, providing relief to thousands of families dependent on tourism.
He credited the revival to coordinated efforts by the tourism department, hoteliers, transporters and service providers, along with improved perceptions of safety and stability.
“Fresh snowfall has been decisive in encouraging tourists to travel. The Valley looks festive, and people did not want to miss this moment,” Sajad said.
He invited visitors from the country and abroad to experience Kashmir firsthand, saying, “Every visitor who leaves happy becomes an ambassador for Kashmir.”
Meanwhile, MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah said that Gulmarg has strong potential to revive Kashmir’s tourism sector, noting the resort’s scenic appeal and arrangements for visitors.
He added that skiing in the area is affordable and hotels have made preparations to welcome tourists.
Shah said the destination plays a vital role in restoring tourism, which faced setbacks earlier this year, and that security and hospitality measures have been implemented ahead of New Year celebrations.
Tourist numbers have surged, with hotels fully booked, signalling growing confidence in the Valley’s winter tourism, he added.
SP BARAMULLA EXTENDS GREETINGS
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (SP) Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh extended New Year greetings to people, especially people of Baramulla, and urged them to act responsibly.
He urged motorists to drive carefully during adverse weather conditions and said security arrangements have been strengthened to ensure peaceful celebrations.
The SSP said sanitisation and coordinated search operations have been underway for the past one month and security deployment has been doubled compared to routine arrangements.
He said a special verification drive was conducted covering over 4,500 service providers in Gulmarg.
Singh said comprehensive measures are in place for safety, security, traffic management and maintenance of law and order to prevent any untoward incident during New Year festivities. (KNO)
