Pahalgam Terror Attack Anniversary: 22 April 2026 i.e. today is the first anniversary of Pahalgam attack. On this day in the year 2025, people who had gone for holidays from different parts of the country were targeted by terrorists in Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 innocent tourists were killed. The terrorists asked people their religion and shot them. After this cowardly attack, there was tension between India and Pakistan. The Army launched Operation Sindoor to target terrorist hideouts in PoK and Pakistan and destroyed them. However, after this tragic incident, there was a decline in the number of tourists visiting Pahalgam and Baisaran Valley was closed. Let us tell you how much Pahalgam has changed in this one year.
How much has Pahalgam changed?
After the terrorist attack, this once vibrant valley had become almost deserted. But now, within a year, the picture has changed a lot. Pahalgam is again buzzing with tourist movement, although this return cannot be called completely normal. After the attack, the administration, security agencies and local people together tried to restore trust. Its effect is clearly visible now. Tourists from all over the country have started arriving here once again. According to media reports, the crowd is also increasing at other major tourist places of Kashmir, which can be gauged from the fact that more than 2.5 lakh tourists have reached Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden within a month.
A period of change continues
Even in Pahalgam, the atmosphere seems to have changed a lot compared to before. Tourist activity is returning on the streets, hotels and taxi services are becoming active again. However, amidst this change, the memory of that painful incident also persists. A memorial has been built on the banks of the river in memory of the martyrs, where most of the visitors stop to pay their respects.
Security increased
Major changes have also been made in terms of security. Now the deployment of security forces has been increased at major places. Apart from this, QR code system has been implemented, through which tourists can easily verify the identity of the taxi driver, guide or shopkeeper.
Decline in number of tourists
However, the whole picture is still mixed. According to the report of thehindubusinessline, according to official data, about 4.5 lakh domestic tourists arrived in Pahalgam between May 2025 and April 2026, which is 65-70 percent less than before. Earlier, 12 to 15 lakh tourists used to come here every year. According to government data, Kashmir has seen major fluctuations in the number of tourists. About 34,98,702 tourists had arrived in 2024, out of which 34,55,048 were domestic and 43,654 were foreign tourists. At the same time, if we compare it with the year 2025, then the number has come down to about 11,16,043 tourists. In which 10,93,050 domestic and 22,993 foreign tourists reached Kashmir in the year 2025, which shows a decline of about 68 percent.
Read this also- Jammu-Kashmir Pahalgam Baisaran Valley Tourism: Can tourists now not go to Baisaran Valley, know how the situation is after a year of Pahalgam attack?
Many places have not been opened yet
Many tourist places are still not fully opened. Most of the 48 locations that were closed after the attacks have reopened, but some key locations are still closed, impacting local businesses. Especially areas like Baisaran Valley are still not open for tourists. This period is still challenging for the local people. The income of taxi drivers, hoteliers and horse owners has been deeply affected. Many people say that the work is still much less than before and it will take time for complete recovery.
Read this also- Baisaran Valley Trip: How to go to Baisaran Valley from Delhi, know how much money has to be spent?
