J&K Administration Gears Up to Embrace Winter: Sonamarg to Welcome Tourists with Open Arms for Winter Tourism in Kashmir

The Tourism Secretary of Kashmir, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah held a virtual meeting with the officials and stakeholders. The purpose of the meeting was to evaluate the preparations for winter and the required facilities to keep Sonamarg accessible to tourists during the winter season. The aim is to transform Srinagar into a scenic summer tourist spot in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal. The emphasis of the meeting was to transform Sonamarg which is known for heavy snowfall into a winter tourist destination just like the Gulmarg Ski Resort in north Kashmir.

Shah extensively reviewed the winter preparations by covering aspects like snow clearing, traffic management, the operationalization of the Z-Morh tunnel, firewood, water supply, electricity, healthcare, road conditions, and other related facilities necessary for keeping Sonamarg accessible during winter.

Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Shyambir laid down the action plan for keeping Sonamarg open and ensuring ample facilities for the tourists. The meeting discussed the snow clearance plan and the availability of machinery and manpower for effective snow removal. Talks were also held on measures taken to protect water pipelines from freezing and using the Z-Morh tunnel in emergencies.

Many upgrades have been made to address power supply concerns and underground cabling shall ensure constant power supply to all the establishments in Sonamarg during winter. A control room has also been established in the CEO’s office, SDA. The representatives from all the departments shall be deputed from December 15.

The Tourism Secretary also stressed the significance of collaborative efforts and coordination among stakeholders for seamless facilities for tourists in the winter season. He urged all the parties to intensify their efforts to provide sufficient facilities to tourists. The administration is promoting Sonamarg as an all weather tourist destination.

In addition, the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering will start six skiing courses on January 10, 2024. During the meeting organization of a mega New Year festival on December 31 was also discussed with an action plan in place. The event will be organized by the district administration in collaboration with other stakeholders.