Gulmarg, Dec 13 (KNO): Asserting that closed tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir should be reopened, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that keeping these destinations shut is sending a wrong message to the people.
Talking to reporters after inaugurating Asia’s longest ski drag lift here in North Kashmir, CM Omar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “We can only make infrastructure. Closing down tourist destinations or reopening these is not in our hands. Had I been sitting there, I would have opened all the destinations.”
The Chief Minister maintained that the present situation does not warrant prolonged closure of tourist spots, noting that Kashmir has faced far more difficult circumstances in the past. “We have seen much more difficult situations than the present one,” he remarked.
Recalling the period when tourism was revived in the Valley in the mid-1990s, CM Omar said that despite a tense security environment, destinations were kept open. “When tourism restarted in 1996, the situation was very tense, but even then we never closed any tourist destination,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of tourism to Kashmir’s economy and livelihoods, the Chief Minister said that unnecessary closures hurt local stakeholders, including hoteliers, tour operators, transporters and thousands of families dependent on the sector.
He reiterated that closed tourist destinations should be reopened to restore confidence and support economic activity in the region. “By keeping these destinations closed we are sending a wrong message that normalcy has not been established yet.”
Pertinently, after April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead, the government ordered closure of many tourist destinations across J&K. A few of the closed spots were reopened in a phased manner.
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.
Asked about inadequate facilities faced by tourists, CM Omar 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 Omar 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.
Replying to a query about power scenario in Kashmir, CM Omar said, “People have to disclose their loads honestly. Transformers are burning in non-metred areas due to over loading.”
He said, “Load shedding is taking place as per the schedule and the government is trying its best to maintain a balance between demand and supply.”
GOVT COMMITTED TO REVIVING KASHMIR’S ADVENTURE TOURISM
Earlier, CM Omar while speaking at a curtain-raiser function organised by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India reiterated that 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.
“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,” the Chief Minister said.
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.”
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.
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—(KNO)