A Parliamentary panel has recommended an “integrated security and surveillance framework” for major tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, including comprehensive CCTV coverage, centralised monitoring facilities and clearly defined procedures for coordination among security agencies.

The recommendations were made against the backdrop of the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran valley, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists. The panel said stronger coordination and regular security assessments were necessary to ensure a prompt response to security threats and maintain public confidence in tourist destinations.

Panel Calls for Integrated Tourist Security System

In its report covering administrative governance, socio-economic development, border and internal security in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as border security management and preparedness in Ladakh, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs called for a coordinated security framework at major tourist locations.

The panel recommended comprehensive CCTV coverage, centralised monitoring centres, regular vulnerability assessments and periodic security audits at all major tourist destinations.

It also called for clear inter-agency standard operating procedures to be prescribed and reviewed ahead of every peak tourist season so that security agencies can respond to incidents in a coordinated and timely manner.

The committee recommended periodic joint security audits and vulnerability assessments, particularly before the beginning of the tourist season and the Amarnath Yatra, to identify emerging threats and address gaps in security arrangements.

Emergency Response Measures Proposed

The panel also called for dedicated emergency response units, adequately equipped ambulances, trauma-care facilities and clearly marked evacuation routes at tourist destinations that attract large crowds.

“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.

It further recommended that emergency contact numbers and safety instructions be prominently displayed in multiple languages at hotels, transport hubs and other tourist facilities.

The committee said security management had assumed greater importance with the steady rise in tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir, as the perception of safety directly influences visitor experience and the continued growth of tourism.

Panel Conducts On-Site Security Assessment

The committee visited Jammu, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Kargil from May 11 to 15, 2026, as part of its assessment of security and preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

During the visit, the panel conducted an on-the-spot assessment of security arrangements in Gulmarg and interacted with representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir Police regarding the law and order situation in Sonmarg.

In Kargil, the committee reviewed border security establishments and operational preparedness through interactions with representatives of the Indian Army.

The panel also acknowledged the overall preparedness and security arrangements maintained by the forces while calling for further strengthening of systems at high-footfall tourist locations.

Ladakh Security Systems To Be Modernised

In Ladakh, the committee expressed satisfaction with the induction of advanced weapon systems, unmanned aerial systems, counter-unmanned aerial system technologies, modern surveillance equipment, specialist mobility platforms and all-terrain vehicles.

It recommended sustained investment in integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, counter-drone systems, secure communication networks and indigenous technologies suited to high-altitude environments.

“The Committee further recommends that the Ministry of Defence should ensure their timely procurement, deployment and periodic technological upgradation in all strategically important sectors,” the report said.

Overall, the panel called for stronger and more coordinated security systems at tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, alongside regular vulnerability assessments, improved emergency response infrastructure and continued modernisation of surveillance and defence capabilities in Ladakh.

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