In an unprecedented move, Jammu and Kashmir Bank authorities have closed Badamwari around spring bloom causing disappointment in both locals and visitors. It is a historical almond garden located on the foothills of historic Hari Parbat.

This almond garden is very significant as it shows the arrival of spring in Kashmir. Both tourists and locals love to witness the pink and white hued bloom inside the garden during spring every year. However this year, J&K Bank authorities have locked the main entry barring people at a time when it should have been filled with observers otherwise.
J&K Bank officials locked the main gate of the garden stopping visitors to come inside the park on Wednesday. They cited prevailing COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for their decision. A visitor said that only a few camerapersons were selectively allowed to enter the garden.
Both locals and visitors have criticized this move reasoning that public places have already reopened for people. They said that authorities could have taken precautionary measures and then opened it for public. A local named Numan Bashir asked that when all other parks and public places are being opened then why are bank officials adamant about closing the garden.
People said that once flowers wilt, it won’t be of much use to open the garden then. Official sources at the J&K Bank acknowledged that the bank has closed the garden because of coronavirus pandemic. They assured that they will open the garden for the public in coming days after making sure that necessary COVID-19 SOPs are followed including social distancing among visitors and mask-wearing.
Update: It was learnt on Friday evening that Badamwari will be thrown open for people on March 21.