The majority of places have received fresh snowfall yesterday, intensifying the chill in the Valley. However, the snowfall occurred at a time when the people from different parts of the country including Jammu and Kashmir visit the famous tourist destinations here to celebrate the New Year. The events on this date are being organized everywhere, especially at the world famous ski-resort Gulmarg and health resort Pahalgam. But, due to the slippery conditions of the roads, the government this time once again has directed the officials not to allow the vehicles without chains or 4×4 to move towards Gulmarg as the slippery conditions of the road can prove fatal for many. It is imperative at this juncture to follow the guidelines issued by the concerned administration while the officials deputed for the work in Tangmarg should ensure that no vehicle other than 4×4 and vehicles with anti-skid chains are allowed to ply towards Gulmarg. Nonetheless, the public transport ferrying the visitors towards Gulmarg should also be directed not to charge hefty amounts, taking benefits from the situation, rather the administration should depute the officials to ensure that the violators are dealt with strictly as per the law. There is a need to take proper care in this situation so as to prevent the loss of lives or injury to the people visiting Gulmarg on this occasion. On the eve of New Year, the government should make sure that the tourists visiting from different parts of the country are not pushed to the wall so that they can enjoy their tour, which would help in promoting the tourism sector here in Jammu and Kashmir.
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