Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have rolled out a QR code-based identification system for tourism service providers in Pahalgam to enhance visitor safety. The move comes in the aftermath of last year’s
deadly terror attack, attributed to Lashkar-e-Taiba, which had shaken confidence among tourists.
The system allows easy verification of registered service providers, including pony-ride operators, hawkers, business establishments, and outside vendors. Officials said the initiative is aimed at rebuilding trust among visitors to the popular tourist destination in Anantnag district following the April 22 attack in Baisaran meadow that claimed 25 tourist lives along with that of a local pony-ride operator.
Under the new mechanism, each service provider has been vetted by the police and registered with the authorities before being issued a unique QR code containing their personal details.
“Each service provider has been properly vetted by police, registered by the authorities and has been provided a unique QR code that contains personal information and other details about that person,” news agency quoted an official as saying.
Tourists can scan the QR codes using their mobile phones to access complete information about the service provider. Officials said this system acts as a reliable identification process that will help curb fraud and prevent unauthorised individuals from operating under the guise of tourism services.
“The system helps identify tourism providers and ensure that visitors are dealing with an authorised service provider. Before trusting an individual, the tourists can scan the QR code and check the details about that person. This will help them verify the credentials of the service provider, thereby building their trust and also improving the security environment,” an official said.
According to officials, the QR codes include details such as the service provider’s name, parentage, address, mobile number, Aadhaar number, registration number, operational route, and police verification status.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, calling it a positive step toward ensuring authenticity and safety. Service providers said the system would help restore visitor confidence.
“The overall security has been strengthened after last year’s attack. As far as service providers are concerned, we have been given QR codes after document verification; our Aadhaar numbers are linked as well,” said Ghulam Hassan, a service provider.
“All our details, addresses, etc., are there, which are linked to the local police station. Security forces check our QR codes periodically to ensure only genuine, registered, and properly verified service providers are operating,” he added.
Another service provider, who did not wish to be named, said all individuals engaged in tourism-related activities, ranging from pony-ride operators to photographers and vendors, have been issued QR codes after thorough verification.
“Tourists will feel safer as they will have complete information about the service provider. This is a good initiative that will strengthen the security and safety of tourists,” he said.
Officials also confirmed that vendors arriving from outside the region have undergone police verification to ensure that there are no security lapses.
