patnitop

With Jammu and Kashmir receiving fresh snowfalls over the past few days, tourists are thronging patnitop as well as the scenic ski resort of Gulmarg.

Amidst ongoing India-Pakistan tensions disrupting Kashmir tourism, hill stations like patnitop and Batote in Jammu's Udhampur district are experiencing a surge in visitors. Following the Pahalgam attack, tourists are now opting for these safer, calmer destinations in Jammu. A Gujarat tourist, Kiran Patel, cut short her Kashmir trip due to restrictions and found patnitop safe.

The CBI has launched a probe into alleged violations of the master plan of the patnitop area in Jammu and Kashmir, dispatching 30 officers of its special team to inquire into encroachment of forest land by hoteliers in the region, officials said on Wednesday.

The ever-enchanting patnitop Tourism Circuit metamorphosis itself with the beauty of orchids with patnitop Development Authority's 'Project Flower Valley' aimed at spurring tourism, biodiversity and socio-economic development.

In view of an upsurge in Omicron cases, the district administration in Ramban on Tuesday ordered compulsorily undergo Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for all passengers and tourists traveling to patnitop by bus, cabs, taxis and personal vehicles, irrespective of their vaccination status.

Urging leaders of hotel industry to develop a road map for patnitop as a pre-eminent tourism destination, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar today said that the tourism fraternity must study, assess and deliberate the resources and the skillsets available or required to develop patnitop as a pre-eminent tourist destination.

Jammu and Kashmir tourism department is now eyeing Punjab to promote Jammu as a major destination for leisure tourism especially focusing on patnitop circuit.

Both the pilots critically injured after an Army helicopter crash landed on the hills of Shiv Dhara near patnitop in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning have succumbed to their injuries. The Northern Command has paid tributes to both officials and extended deepest condolences to the families of two officials killed in the chopper crash.

Jammu and Kashmir will host an International Rafting Championship in Doda district from February 24 with participation from across the world.

The 300-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only surface link between Kashmir and rest of the country, was closed for vehicular traffic for second consecutive day today, due to snowfall and slippery conditions.

The Centre has approved Rs 500 crore to implement tourism projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

Security forces conducted routine search operations in Udhampur and Rajouri districts to ensure public safety. No irregular findings were reported, instilling a sense of security among citizens.

Jammu and Kashmir would be developed as a world class health & wellness tourist destination, the Union minister of state in the Ministry of Women & Child Development and Ministry of AYUSH, Dr Munjapara Mahendrabhai said.

The 300-km Highway was closed on Sunday last following heavy snowfall and landslides at Panthal, Ramban, patnitop and Jawahar Tunnel.