A Parliamentary panel has recommended an "integrated security and surveillance framework" for all major tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir with centralised monitoring facilities.
In its report on Administrative Governance, Socio-Economic Development and Border Security and Internal Security of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Border Security Management and Preparedness in the UT of Ladakh, the panel said clear inter-agency standard operating procedures be prescribed and reviewed before every peak tourist season to ensure a coordinated and timely response to any security-related incident.
The recommendations came in the backdrop of the terror attack on tourists on April 22 last year in the scenic Baisaran valley of Pahalgam, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists who had taken shelter in the 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. It recommended sustained investment in integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, counter-drone systems, secure communication networks and indigenous high-altitude technologies.
"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 security systems at tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir and continued modernisation of defence and surveillance capabilities in Ladakh, alongside better emergency response measures and regular security reviews.