SRINAGAR, March 16: With the closure of parks and gardens, a top official of Tourism Department Monday said there was no plan of shutting down tourist destinations in Kashmir.
In wake of coronavirus pandemic, authorities on Monday closed parks and gardens in the valley.
“All parks and gardens in #Srinagar will remain closed until further notice. Cooperation of people in implementing precautionary measures is appreciated,” Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said in a tweet.
However, Director Tourism Kashmir Nasir Ahmad Wani said there are no directives from the government to close tourist destinations in the valley.
“So far there are no plans to shut down tourist destinations in Kashmir. Tourists coming to Kashmir are being screened. They can’t be stopped from entering into Kashmir until somebody has symptoms of coronavirus. Tourist destinations will continue to remain open,” Wani told news agency.
Government has already postponed roadshows scheduled in March due to coronavirus.
Although no positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in Kashmir, health officials said all hospitals should ensure their staff is trained and well-prepared to deal with the virus.
The government has been issuing advisories to inform people of the precautionary measures and symptoms associated with coronavirus reported KINS.