Agencies
Gulmarg, Feb 23: Omar Abdullah on Monday stressed the urgent need for artificial snow generation in Gulmarg to safeguard winter sports and strengthen tourism, stating that climate variability poses a serious challenge to traditional winter games in the region.
Addressing the commencement of the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, the Chief Minister, as per the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), welcomed participants and underscored the importance of adapting to changing weather conditions.
He observed that snowfall patterns in recent years have become increasingly unpredictable, compelling authorities to reassess long-term strategies for winter sports infrastructure. The Chief Minister said the government remains committed to developing Gulmarg into an international skiing destination and ensuring uninterrupted sporting activities despite climate-related challenges.
Highlighting the limitations of relying solely on natural snowfall, he called for the installation of artificial snow generation systems to secure the future of winter games in the region.
Acknowledging that concerns may arise regarding artificial snow projects, Abdullah maintained that such measures are essential to prevent loss of tourism opportunities and to protect livelihoods linked to winter tourism.
“Thousands of local stakeholders, including hoteliers, guides, transport operators and small businesses, depend on the winter season,” he said, adding that climate-resilient infrastructure is vital for economic stability.
The Chief Minister also assured full administrative support for athletes and sports infrastructure to nurture international-level competitors from Jammu and Kashmir. Congratulating skier Arif Khan for bringing laurels to the region, he expressed hope that more athletes would emerge from the games to represent the country on global platforms.
Emphasizing that participation in sports is as important as winning medals, Abdullah said sustained investment in winter sports and tourism would position Gulmarg among leading global skiing destinations while ensuring long-term economic benefits for local communities.—(KNO)
