The Sonamarg Development Authority has suspended tourist movement for two days, saying the precautionary measure is aimed at preventing any untoward incident as persistent rainfall raises the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Ganderbal, July 23: With relentless rainfall continuing to lash Kashmir, authorities on Thursday ordered the temporary closure of the Thajiwas tourist destination in Sonamarg for the next two days, citing an increased threat of flash floods and landslides in the area.
The Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), in an advisory issued by its Chief Executive Officer, said the movement of all tourists and visitors towards Thajiwas will remain completely suspended for the next two days as a preventive measure to safeguard lives.
The advisory said the decision had been taken in view of the prevailing inclement weather, continuous rainfall and the heightened possibility of flash floods and landslides along the route leading to the popular tourist destination.
“All tourists and visitors are advised to refrain from visiting the Thajiwas area and to strictly comply with the directions issued by the administration and other concerned authorities,” the advisory said.
The closure comes at the height of the summer tourism season, when thousands of visitors travel to Sonamarg every week to access Thajiwas, a picturesque alpine meadow and glacier known for its trekking routes, pony rides and panoramic mountain landscape. The route, however, remains vulnerable to weather-related disruptions during periods of intense rainfall.
Officials said the restriction is purely precautionary and will remain in force until weather conditions improve. The situation will be reviewed after two days based on rainfall intensity and safety assessments carried out by the authorities.
The latest order comes as several parts of Kashmir continue to witness persistent rainfall, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance in vulnerable areas. Weather-related advisories have been issued across the Valley in recent days as officials monitor river levels, mountain slopes and other locations susceptible to flash floods and landslides.
The administration has appealed to tourists to respect the restrictions and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas until normal conditions are restored.
