CCTV, centralised monitoring: Panel proposes tighter security at J&K tourist spots
A Parliamentary panel has recommended an "integrated security and surveillance framework" for all major tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, with centralised monitoring facilities and
A Parliamentary panel has recommended an "integrated security and surveillance framework" for all major tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, with centralised monitoring facilities and clear standard operating procedures for agencies involved in security management. In its report on administrative governance, socio-economic development, border security and internal security in Jammu and Kashmir, and border security management and preparedness in Ladakh, the panel said the measures were needed to ensure a coordinated and timely response to any security-related incident. Read Full Story The recommendations come in the backdrop of the terror attack on tourists on April 22 last year in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists who had taken shelter in higher locations.
The committee said all major tourist destinations should have comprehensive CCTV coverage, centralised monitoring facilities, regular vulnerability assessments and periodic security audits. It also recommended that clear inter-agency standard operating procedures should be prescribed and reviewed before every peak tourist season. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs further said periodic joint security audits and vulnerability assessments should be carried out, particularly before the start of the tourist season and the Amarnath Yatra, to identify and address emerging security concerns. The panel, which visited Jammu, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Kargil from May 11 to 15, 2026, undertook an "on-the-spot assessment" of security arrangements in Gulmarg, interacted with Jammu and Kashmir Police representatives on the law and order situation in Sonmarg, and reviewed border security establishments and operational preparedness in Kargil through interactions with Indian Army representatives.
Noting a steady rise in the number of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, the panel said security management at tourist destinations had assumed special importance as it directly affects the perception of safety, visitor experience and the continued growth of tourism. "The Committee recommends that dedicated emergency response units, adequately equipped ambulances, trauma-care facilities and clearly identified evacuation routes be made available at all high-footfall destinations," the report said, while appreciating the overall security and preparedness of the forces. It also said emergency contact numbers and safety instructions should be prominently displayed in multiple languages at hotels, transport points and tourist facilities. In Ladakh, the panel expressed satisfaction with the induction of advanced weapon systems, unmanned aerial systems, counter-UAS technologies, modern surveillance equipment, specialist mobility platforms and all-terrain vehicles.
The BriefWire