Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 11: Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajad, on Thursday said the department is fully committed to promoting adventure, winter and sustainable tourism across Jammu and Kashmir. He said the department will “leave no stone unturned” to increase tourist footfall in the Valley during the upcoming winter season.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Srinagar to mark International Mountain Day, Sajad said that the observance, declared by the United Nations in 2002, underscores the need for mountain conservation and sustainable practices.
“Mountains are the core of our ecosystem. We cannot allow tourism to grow at the cost of environmental degradation. A sustainable eco-tourism strategy is essential for the future,” he said.
The Director said the department had invited adventure tourism stakeholders, trekkers and young cyclists for the event, which featured a cycling race, a felicitation ceremony and film screenings on mountain preservation and environmental protection.
“The department is formulating strict guidelines for trekkers and adventure groups to ensure mountain trails remain clean. We will make it binding on trekkers not to litter or dump waste in mountain zones. Plantation and conservation measures will also be taken because our tourism thrives on a healthy environment,” he said.
Sajad further added that glacier depletion is a global issue. He called for awareness and regulation to preserve Kashmir’s mountain ecosystem.
The Director Tourism Kashmir further announced that the department is set to launch a series of winter and adventure activities across major tourist destinations as soon as snowfall begins.
He said the department is committed to expanding its adventure and winter tourism portfolio through coordinated planning. “We will leave no stone unturned to increase tourist footfall from our side,” he said.
“Heli-skiing has been conducted earlier. Once snow falls, skiing, paragliding and other adventure sports will start gradually. I am optimistic that footfall will increase this winter,” Sajad added.
The Director announced that a seven-day winter carnival will be held in Gulmarg, while one-day carnivals are planned at Pahalgam and Sonamarg during the Christmas and New Year period. “Snowfall would have added to the excitement, but we are hopeful,” he said.
He also mentioned a Toy Convention at SKICC from December 17 to 30, where around 200 travel and tour stakeholders from across India will participate. “Dignitaries from the Centre and UT, along with industry stakeholders, will discuss ways to expand Kashmir’s adventure tourism landscape,” Sajad said.
