Srinagar, In a bid to boost winter tourism in Kashmir, the administration of Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up to keep the picturesque summer tourist resort of Sonamarg open during the winter season. Tourism Secretary Syed Abid Rasheed Shah chaired a virtual meeting with officers and stakeholders to review winter preparedness and facilities for this initiative.
The administration aims to replicate the success of the Ski Resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir by keeping Sonamarg accessible during heavy snowfall. The virtual meeting, attended by key officials, focused on preparations, including water and electricity supply, health services, road conditions, snow-clearing operations, traffic management, the operationalization of the Z-Morh tunnel, and other essential facilities required to keep Sonamarg open during winter.
Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Shyambir outlined the action plan, emphasizing snow clearance, water supply augmentation, and upgrading power supply with underground cabling to ensure uninterrupted electricity. A control room has been established for coordinated efforts, and a detailed plan for winter activities, including skiing courses and a mega New Year festival, was discussed during the meeting.
Tourism Secretary Shah stressed the importance of collaborative efforts and coordination among stakeholders to provide seamless facilities to tourists during the winter. He encouraged the engineering wing and all stakeholders to redouble their efforts, highlighting the administration’s commitment to promoting Sonamarg as an all-weather tourist destination.
As the region prepares for winter tourism, the administration plans to share guidelines (“Dos and Don’ts”) with stakeholders, particularly hoteliers, to ensure a smooth and safe experience for visitors during the winter season.
Stay connected for further updates on Sonamarg’s winter tourism initiatives.
