Parliamentary Panel for J&K Security Grid

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has recommended an integrated security and surveillance framework for major tourist and pilgrimage destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Shri Vaishno Devi shrine and Amarnath cave.

Post Published By: Subhash Raturi

Updated : 10 August 2026, 4:42 PM IST

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New Delhi: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has recommended an integrated security and surveillance framework for major tourist and pilgrimage destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, including Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Vaishno Devi Shrine and the Amarnath Cave, amid growing concerns over security at high-footfall locations.

The Committee proposed comprehensive CCTV coverage, centralised monitoring facilities, regular vulnerability assessments and periodic security audits at all such destinations.

In May, members of the parliamentary committee visited major tourist destinations in J&K and Ladakh as well as high altitude military posts in Drass and Kargil secotrs. The panel suggested that given the rapidly evolving nature of security threats,sustained investment be made in integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, counter-drone systems, secure communication networks and indigenous high altitude technologies.

The Committee further recommended that the Ministry of Defence ensure the timely procurement and deployment of these systems and undertake periodic technological upgrades in all strategically important sectors.

Referring to last year's Pahalgam terror attack, in which 25 tourists and a pony operator were killed in Baisaran meadows, the panel recommended that 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.

While appreciating the efforts of the J&K administration In establishing emergency response systems and making arrangements for medical preparedness at major tourist destinations, the panel noted the challenges posed by difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions and seasonal influx of visitors.

It recommended that dedicated emergency response units, adequately equipped ambulances, trauma-care facilities and clearly identified evacuation routes be made available at all high-footfall sites.