Bhaderwah, Jan 10 — Security has been tightened across snow-covered tourist destinations in Chenab region’s Bhaderwah after a sharp rise in visitors over the past two weeks, officials said on Saturday.
Police and other security forces have been deployed at high-altitude meadows along the Bhaderwah–Pathankot highway, including Chattargalla (11,000 ft), Panj Nallah (10,200 ft) and Guldanda (9,555 ft), to ensure the safety of tourists moving through areas hit by heavy snowfall.
“Bhaderwah attracts a large number of tourists, but heavy snowfall in the surrounding high-altitude mountains creates serious challenges as visitors tend to venture into snow-covered meadows and passes,” Superintendent of Police Vinod Sharma said. “Despite harsh weather and sub-zero night temperatures, our teams are providing security cover so that tourists feel completely secure.”
Tourists visiting the area said the police presence has helped them enjoy the winter landscape without fear.
“We were initially a bit sceptical about safety before coming here, but the police presence along these snow-covered passes is excellent,” Vishal Sharma, a tourist from Maharashtra, said. “The warm hospitality of the locals has made our visit truly memorable.”
Another visitor, Satish Singh Jhadav from Gujarat, said, “We received full support from the policemen. There are adequate check posts, and the friendly attitude of the locals made the trip more enjoyable.”
Locals, too, have welcomed the increased deployment. “Earlier we used to see only the Army at these heights during peak winter,” said Rashid Choudhary, a resident. “This time the Jammu and Kashmir Police is doing a commendable job by providing round-the-clock security.”
The security push comes as Bhaderwah prepares for a busy winter season, with a two-day winter festival scheduled on January 17 and 19 at Guldanda and the New Bus Stand. Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh said, “The district administration has made the best possible arrangements for the success of the festival, and comprehensive security will be in place at all tourist destinations and religious sites.”
Tourism stakeholders are also upbeat about the Centre’s proposed cable car project from Mathola village to the 12,500-foot-high Seoj Dhar meadow near the Kailash Kund glacier.
“After day-to-day follow-up, the National Highways Logistics Management Limited has invited bids for the DPR, which is likely to be awarded by the end of January,” Union Minister Jitendra Singh said in a recent post on X. “The study should be completed in four months, after which execution may begin.”
Seoj Dhar, which stretches nearly 30 kilometres from Bhaderwah in Doda to Basantgarh in Udhampur, remains snowbound for about seven months each year and is seen as a potential hub for winter sports and adventure tourism.