Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 17: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday warned that climate change poses a direct threat to Kashmir’s tourism economy and winter sports industry.
Speaking at the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, the CM urged the industry to adapt with innovation and sustainable practices to ensure adventure tourism in Jammu and Kashmir remains viable through changing weather realities.
“It feels like homecoming to be part of an event that celebrates the spirit of adventure,” Omar said, addressing a gathering.
The gathering included ATOAI President Padmashree Ajit Bajaj, J&K Tourism Department officials, Union Tourism Ministry’s Suman Billah, among others.
The Chief Minister began his address on a personal note, recalling the rock piece from Mount Everest presented to him at the event and said it would remain one of the most memorable gifts he had ever received. “I touched the summit of Mount Everest sitting comfortably in this hall,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Omar thanked ATOAI President, Ajit Bajaj, for his persistence and passion in bringing the ATOAI convention to Jammu and Kashmir. “Files in government sometimes stop moving entirely,” he said, “but Bajaj’s determination ensured we made it here. I’d say 95% of the credit goes to him and his team.”
Pivoting to his core message, the Chief Minister underscored the urgent threat of climate change to Kashmir’s adventure tourism. “Jammu and Kashmir is ideally placed as a destination for adventure tourism. We were skiing in Gulmarg before independence, when the British installed our first ski lift. But today, the reality of climate change can no longer be ignored,” he said.
While snow remains central to Kashmir’s allure, Omar said the state must diversify adventure offerings, from paragliding and trekking to whitewater rafting, mountaineering and ballooning, to make Jammu and Kashmir a “year-round adventure destination”.
“We recently trained a batch of paragliding instructors and pilots. Hot air ballooning has started modestly, but we hope to expand. Adventure tourism can take people into areas that wouldn’t otherwise see regular tourist traffic,” he added.
The CM said that while leisure and MICE tourism remain important, “adventure tourism opens doors to unexplored geographies, creating local livelihoods and connecting communities.”
Stressing the balance between thrill and safety, Abdullah said, “Adventure tourism is not another word for organised suicide. It’s about excitement done responsibly, sustainably and repeatably. There must be adrenaline, yes, but not recklessness.”
He lauded ATOAI’s efforts in developing national safety guidelines for adventure tourism, promising the government’s full cooperation.
“Those who entrust their lives to us must be returned safely to their families, maybe with a little more heartbeat, but nothing more harmful than that,” he shared, drawing laughter from the audience.
The CM reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting operators, improving safety protocols and ensuring that Kashmir remains a trusted, innovative destination for adventure seekers.
Omar said the future of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir depends on sustainable action, not slogans. “We must protect the very landscapes that people come to experience. If we don’t act now, the adventure tourism we enjoy today might vanish before our children get to see it. Let’s ensure we pass on not just memories but mountains, snow, and rivers still alive.” (KNO)
