Hotels, guest houses shut in Doda, Bhaderwah

Tourism badly hit by Covid-19

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Tribune News Service

Doda, March 18

As the world economy is being hit by the Covid-19, India is no exception, the Tourism Industry in Jammu and Kashmir too has been affected badly.

As several tourist destinations, parks and hotels have been closed in Kashmir valley and in Patnitop, the Doda district administration today ordered closure of all hotels and guests houses in Doda and Bhaderwah towns.

The decision was aimed at keeping the tourists and other visitors away from the area so that people remain safe here.

Bhaderwah is one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Jammu and Kashmir and in recent years lakhs of people have been visiting this place to enjoy its natural beauty.

“Last year, the tourist season was called off early as the government had to revoke Article 370 and curfew was imposed in the area to prevent any protests. Now, this time, before the start of the season, Covid scare has made us shut everything,” said an official associated with tourism in Bhaderwah.

“Nobody knows for how many days we will have to keep the system shut as Covid-19 cases are increasing day by day,” he added.

The Doda district administration has already imposed Section. Now, they are also thinking of closing restaurants and other shops where gathering can take place but so far no official decision has been taken.

“The administration is also taking opinion on suspending the public transport system so that people can stay indoors and are not able to make contact with any infected person,” said a official of the district administration.