Govt committed to revive Kashmir’s adventure tourism potential: CM

Gulmarg, Dec 13: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the government is committed to reviving Kashmir’s adventure tourism potential and ensuring that destinations like Gulmarg regain their past glory as premier skiing hubs.
Speaking at a curtain-raiser function organised by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India at the Convention Centre in Gulmarg, Omar, said it is impossible to talk about adventure tourism in India without mentioning Kashmir, which has immense potential for activities such as mountaineering, trekking, rafting, and skiing.
He said Gulmarg had been offering skiing opportunities when very few other destinations did, but expressed concern over the region’s declining prominence in adventure sports.
“There was a time when we had snow here for months, but now even Gulmarg faces dry spells. We must introduce technological interventions such as artificial snow generation, as is done in Europe,” he said, urging officials and stakeholders to explore such measures to sustain skiing and attract tourists throughout the year.
The Chief Minister said efforts are underway to ensure smooth skiing experiences, including improving ski drag facilities and other related infrastructure in the first phase of development. “We should enhance employment opportunities for local stakeholders and make skiing accessible even during the summer months,” he added.
Abdullah also referred to a tourism revival project worth hundreds of crores aimed at strengthening the sector and restoring confidence among tour operators and allied businesses.
He stressed the need for collective efforts from the government, private players, and the local community to keep tourism vibrant across all seasons.
Reiterating his recent remarks made in Pahalgam, the CM emphasised the importance of hospitality in sustaining tourism. “We must ensure that our tourists return with happiness and fond memories—that will be our true success,” he said.
Expressing optimism despite current challenges, he said, “People may be disappointed today, but the smiles will return, tourism will bounce back, and everything will be fine.”
Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister said that while the government has been continuously working on improving tourist infrastructure, the present situation is comparatively better than what the Valley witnessed in the past.
“Gulmarg and Pahalgam are now competing not only with destinations in India but globally. It has become our compulsion to upgrade infrastructure to match world standards,” he said, adding that several projects were inaugurated and foundations laid in Gulmarg as part of ongoing development initiatives across major tourist circuits.
Responding to questions about certain destinations remaining closed, Omar clarified that it was not the state government’s decision. “Our role is limited to building infrastructure. We were never consulted on the closures. If it were up to me, I’d open all these destinations. We have seen far worse situations in the past, but tourism was never shut down. I urge the administration to review these decisions,” he asserted.
On the impact of changing weather patterns, the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing significant climatic shifts with reduced precipitation and a 90% decline in rainfall over the past one and a half months. “It’s not just Gulmarg—weather patterns are changing everywhere. We must adapt by conserving water, building check dams, harvesting rainwater, and controlling pollution. The government and residents alike have a responsibility to respond to these changes,” he stated.
Emphasising the need for technological interventions, the CM advocated adoption of artificial snow-making systems, as practised in several European ski destinations. He suggested storing rainwater and deploying snow machines when temperatures fall below zero, at least on select slopes, particularly those serviced by newly installed drag lifts. Omar also proposed the installation of floodlights on certain ski slopes, on the lines of Japan, to extend skiing hours into the evening and maximise tourist activity during short winter days.
Such measures, he said, would not only enhance visitor experience but also significantly boost the livelihoods of local ski guides, instructors, equipment rental services and other stakeholders dependent on winter tourism. “The investment in drag-lifts alone would not yield dividends unless complemented by assured snow cover and extended operational hours,” he said.
When asked about inadequate facilities faced by tourists, Omar Abdullah said a new policy is being formulated to address these shortfalls in hotel and allied services. He assured improvement in the quality of amenities offered to visitors across famous destinations.
CM Abdullah reiterated the need to review the consistent closure of major spots like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Doodhpathri. “While the government claims normalcy, keeping half of our prime destinations closed sends a negative and confusing message,” he remarked.
Responding to questions on power infrastructure and winter preparedness, Omar said that unscheduled power cuts and maintenance during peak season often result from overloading and unexpected faults rather than poor planning.
He assured that the administration is working to strengthen the system and meet the increasing power demand during winter.
CM Abdullah reiterated that the true measure of success in tourism lies not merely in attracting visitors once, but in inspiring them to return repeatedly. He called for a responsible, visitor-friendly approach that ensures memorable experiences and sustained goodwill. (KNO)