The nearing G20 tourism meeting in Srinagar caused enhanced security measures, including the deployment of senior officials as magistrates in the region. Delegates from the G20 and other participating countries will meet at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar from May 22 to 24 under extremely tight security.Daily security evaluations are held by high-ranking civil and police personnel. Throughout Kashmir, an effective security system and intelligence operation are in place, with authorities carefully chasing every clue. Particularly, vigilant forces in north Kashmir have successfully defeated a series of encounters and infiltration efforts. On Saturday, the Army prevented an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri area.Image: TwitterImage: TwitterA review meeting was scheduled at the police control room on Monday evening, presided over by Kashmirs additional director general of police (ADGP), Vijay Kumar, and divisional commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri. The meeting, which was joined by senior police and administration personnel, focused on G20 summit preparations. According to a spokesperson, administrators have been asked to work closely with police and security agencies to ensure the events success and safety. “All magistrates and police officers were directed to identify and prosecute any rumour spreaders.” “Participating officers were also instructed not to harass members of the public,” said the spokesperson.Other preparations for the G20 summitGulmarg, Kashmirs famed ski resort town, has been all dressed up and is ready for guests attending the third G20 tourism working group meeting, according to officials. While the main summit will take place in Srinagar, national and international delegates will go to Gulmarg, a scenic site known as the “meadow of flowers” and encircled by pine trees and steep slopes in north Kashmirs Baramulla district, about 50 kilometres from Srinagar.Kashmir preparing for the upcoming G20 summit (Image: Twitter)Delegates will attend an event in Gulmarg, including taking a ride on the cable car gondola to the first and second phases since the G20 summit is focused on tourism. The cable car, one of Asias tallest and highest, provides guests with incredible views of pine trees and Himalayan peaks, making it a popular tourist destination.The first leg of the gondola trip brings tourists to Kongdori at an elevation of 8,530 feet, and the second leg moves up to Apharwat at an elevation of 12,293 feet. Officials have certified that all departments and executing agencies have completed or are completing development projects ranging from Magam to Tangmarg to Gulmarg. Several pending improvements have also been completed, and the major road is being macadamized, with completion due in a few days.According to tourism officials, approximately 450,000 tourists visited Gulmarg from January to April, and the G20 event is expected to significantly strengthen the towns global status as a tourist destination. The G20 event has been appreciated by the people because it has brought initiatives for development and improvements to the region.
