Can Gulmarg's tourism survive without snow?
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Synopsis
J&K's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah raises concerns about the future of Gulmarg's tourism, linking it to climate change. As snow becomes less predictable, he emphasizes the need for innovative solutions and diversification in the adventure tourism sector to ensure a vibrant year-round destination.
Key Takeaways
- Climate change is impacting Gulmarg's tourism.
- Tourism in Gulmarg relies heavily on snowfall.
- There is a need for diversification in adventure tourism.
- Artificial snow-making could be a viable solution.
- The government is committed to supporting the tourism sector.
Srinagar, Dec 17 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, on Wednesday emphasized the correlation between the Valley's tourism and global climate change, asserting that the implications of climate change must no longer be overlooked. He highlighted that the tourism industry in the renowned Gulmarg is contingent upon snow.
“Without snow, I cannot promote Gulmarg. We witness glaciers melting and a decrease in snowfall; these are undeniable facts we need to face. The reality of climate change is something we can’t ignore anymore,” stated the Chief Minister during the inauguration of the 17th annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
Omar Abdullah remarked that the repercussions of climate change are a global issue and that this impact is particularly significant for Kashmir’s tourism during the winter season.
He advocated for the diversification of adventure tourism to transform J&K into a year-round adventure hub.
The Chief Minister expressed that attending an adventure tourism convention feels like a homecoming for him.
He reminisced about his own adventure tourism experiences, mentioning that one doesn't need to conquer Everest to feel the thrill of being on top.
He encouraged the tourism sector to consider artificial snow-making and innovative technologies to sustain skiing and winter tourism.
He acknowledged that the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir has faced a tough year, citing the Pahalgam attack, weather conditions, and the Delhi blast which affected travel.
“Only those involved in the tourism sector can comprehend the difficulty of bouncing back during such crises,” he noted.
He reassured that the government is dedicated to assisting operators and ensuring safe tourism experiences.
He urged for a broader range of adventure activities, such as paragliding and hot-air ballooning, and new training initiatives to establish Jammu and Kashmir as a year-round adventure destination.
“The adventure tourism sector is rapidly evolving. We aim for J&K to participate in this global growth responsibly, safely, and sustainably,” he stated.
Despite Kashmir experiencing an extended dry period over the past two months, the weather office has good news for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, forecasting snow in the higher altitudes and rain in the plains between December 21 and December 22.
Point of View
The ongoing discourse on climate change and its impact on tourism is crucial. Omar Abdullah's statements highlight the urgent need for adaptation strategies in Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector. As the region grapples with environmental changes, a unified approach to sustainable tourism development will be essential to safeguard its cultural and natural heritage.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How does climate change affect Gulmarg's tourism?
Climate change leads to reduced snowfall and glacier melting, which directly impacts winter tourism activities in Gulmarg, making it less attractive for visitors.
What solutions did Omar Abdullah propose?
He suggested diversifying adventure tourism and exploring artificial snow-making technologies to sustain winter activities in the region.
What challenges has the J&K tourism sector faced recently?
The sector has struggled due to various issues, including the Pahalgam attack, adverse weather conditions, and incidents like the Delhi blast affecting travel.
What is the government's stance on supporting tourism?
The government is committed to assisting tourism operators and ensuring safety for tourists to encourage a thriving tourism sector.
What are the forecasts for the upcoming winter season?
The weather office has predicted snow in the higher reaches and rain in the plains around December 21 and December 22, bringing hope for the winter tourism season.
