MUZAFFARABAD: In a bid to promote safe tourism and ensure the safety of visitors, the administration in the breathtaking Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has launched an internet application alongside policy guidelines for the tourism sector.

The app, developed in collaboration with the AJK Information Technology (IT) Board, aims to keep the administration updated on tourist accommodations, contact details, and itineraries, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Neelum, Nadeem Ahmed Janjua, told Dawn on Thursday.

Last year, the valley, which boasts a 150-kilometre main road stretching from Nauseri to the scenic village of Taobutt along the Neelum River, welcomedover 550,000 tourists from across the country, Mr Janjua said.

`With 40 link roads and 8-10 fair weather roads connecting the valley`s population of 220,000 to their homes, accessibility is both a challenge and a blessing, he added.

Highlighting safety concerns, Mr Janjua pointed out that the valley, like other high-altitude regions, was prone to natural disasters such as cloudburst-induced floods, avalanches, and landslides.

These hazards, combined with the challenging mountainous terrain, often led to fatal accidents, particularly among tourists unfamiliar with local road conditions, he said.

Additionally, he pointed out that incidents like selfie-related falls and tragedies caused by negligence, such as leaving gas or coal heaters running, had under-scoredtheneedforstrictersafety protocols.

`In such unfortunate situations, it becomes difficult for the administration to contact the victims` families promptly, which is why the app is a game-changer for us,` he asserted.

Mr Janjua informed that earlier in the day, a meeting with representatives of the local Guesthouse and Hotel Association had been convened to brief them on the app`s utility and operational requirements.

`It was decided that comprehensive data of tourists staying in the valley would be recorded through the app. In areas where internet access is unavailable, this information will be communicated via phone to the local police station, which will transfer it to a pro forma and ensure its submission to the Superintendent of Police`s office by 1pm daily,he said.

The DC also elaborated on the safety measures mandated by the administration.

He said the newly inaugurated rest houses, guesthouses, and hotels were required to install fire extinguishers and emergency exits.

`Management is also directed to discourage guests from approaching dangerous water channels and to prominently display advisory notices and emergency contact numbers in every room.

For tourists venturing to highaltitude destinations such as Ratti Gali, Patlian, and Baboon, only well-maintained vehicles operated by licensed drivers would be allowed, he said, adding that registered tour operators had been instructed to comply with this requirement without exception.