Can’t make every destination Gulmarg, build Gondolas everywhere: CM

Srinagar, Sep 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday told the Legislative Assembly that not every tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir can be developed on the lines of Gulmarg or equipped with a gondola, stressing the need for a destination-specific approach to tourism development.
Replying to questions by MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat, CM Omar, said tourism infrastructure must be planned according to the unique character and potential of each destination.
“We can’t make every tourist destination Gulmarg, and build gondolas at every destination. Every tourist destination has its unique and separate attraction,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Gulmarg Gondola registers significantly higher ridership than the Patnitop ropeway, and such factors have to be considered before taking up similar projects elsewhere.
On the proposed gondola/cable car project at Doodhpathri, CM Omar said the proposal is under consideration and will be taken up subject to approval, completion of formalities and availability of funds.
He said winter adventure tourism at Doodhpathri has been strengthened since the introduction of snow skiing by the Tourism Department in 2023.
“A drag lift has also been constructed and made operational from 2026, providing additional facilities for skiers and enabling regular skiing training and other winter adventure activities,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government is also pursuing infrastructure development around Doodhpathri to improve visitor management and reduce pressure on the destination.
State land at five locations along the Arigam-Reyar Ich stretch has been identified for development of wayside facilities for visitors and local vendors. Administrative approval for the project, estimated at Rs 50 lakh, has been accorded and the work is at the tendering stage.
He added that around 25 kanals of state land near the Sheep Farm at Kralpathri has been identified for a Tourist Transit Hub and a 400-car parking facility.
A Detailed Project Report estimated at Rs 75 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 has been prepared and submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism for approval.
“The proposed transit hub and parking facility is aimed at regulating vehicular movement and improving visitor management at Doodhpathri, thereby reducing vehicular pressure at the destination,” he said.
Replying to a separate question by MLA Yudhvir Sethi, the Chief Minister said the government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to promote and diversify tourism in Jammu Division, with a focus on emerging destinations and year-round tourism.
He said the Tourism Department is focusing on pilgrimage, heritage, adventure, eco, nature, rural, cultural, wellness and leisure tourism, alongside strengthening infrastructure and tourist amenities.
Major destinations where developmental works have been taken up include Suchetgarh, Shiv Khori, Sudhmahadev, Patnitop, Basholi, Bhaderwah/Gatha, Mansar, Baradari, Kesari Hills and Behra/Qasab.
The Chief Minister said the government is also focusing on developing new destinations to reduce pressure on established tourist centres and distribute tourism-related economic activity more widely across Jammu Division.
On tourism promotion, Omar said the department has undertaken publicity and promotional campaigns at local, national and international levels.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, the department facilitated or participated in 110 events and festivals, while 43 events and festivals were covered between April and August 2026.
He said district-wise and category-wise publicity material has been disseminated through travel marts, expos, festivals, melas and yatras, while digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X have also been utilised.
The department also participated in major tourism events, including GITB Jaipur, TTF Ahmedabad, IATO Convention Puri, ITM Jaipur, IITE Madurai, SATTE-2026 New Delhi and ITM Dehradun, besides international events in Paris, London and Singapore.
The Chief Minister said five pilgrimage circuits sanctioned under the Capex Plan 2020-21 are currently under development. These include the Mansar, Shiv Khori, Utterbehni, Purmandal and Sukrala circuits.
He said 29 works are presently under progress under these circuits.
On funding, he informed the House that the approved tourism development budget for Jammu Division increased from Rs 56.50 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 61.15 crore in 2024-25 and further to Rs 62.85 crore in 2025-26.
The Chief Minister also said the Tourism Department has initiated the process of identifying and assessing areas with tourism potential in Khansahib for future development.
Site visits have been conducted to Pushker, Shoplian, Nowgam, Drung, Habber, Banglapathri and Palmasidan in consultation with local stakeholders and officials of the Revenue and Forest departments.
He said suitable sites would be considered for future tourism plans subject to feasibility, land availability and fulfilment of statutory and administrative requirements.
The process for identification, demarcation and transfer of state land at Banglapathri and along the Zoogu-Sitaharan stretch has already been initiated with the Revenue authorities, he added. (KNO)