Gulmarg: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday advocated for the introduction of artificial snow at Gulmarg to bolster tourism and promote the destination as a winter sports hub.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony of the sixth Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) in north Kashmir’s Baramulla, Abdullah said Gulmarg remains the pre-eminent venue for winter spots in India, shifting weather patterns require a transition in infrastructure.
“It is a huge thing that Gulmarg is hosting the winter games for the sixth time. It tells you that there is no better place for the winter games in the country. However, the reality is that weather patterns are changing. We never thought it would be so warm in Gulmarg in February. This is a reality and we have to accept it. We will take whatever steps need to be taken accordingly,” the chief minister said.
Abdullah said weather patterns were changing and have become unpredictable and the government needs to rethink long-term planning for winter sports infrastructure.
“Wherever winter games take place across the world, they are not possible without the artificial snow. The Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, which concluded yesterday, could not have been held without it. Since the 1970s, it has been proven that artificial snow is a requirement for every Winter Olympics,” he said.
The chief minister committed to creating similar mechanisms in Gulmarg to support both athletes and the tourism sector. He added that winter tourism is really important for the region and the government “will take steps to give it a fillip”.
Responding to a query about the women’s participation in the KIWG, Abdullah described winter sports as an effective way to bridge gender differences, noting that men and women compete at nearly equal levels in almost every discipline.
“To see greater women participation in these games is very heartening. However, we need to ensure that we make proper facilities available, we need proper coaching facilities so that we are eventually in a position to compete for medals,” he said.
Abdullah expressed regret that the participation of athletes from Jammu and Kashmir has not yet reached medal-winning standards on the global stage.
I hope that within my lifetime, we can raise our performance. We have seen India win individual Olympic medals in athletics and shooting during the Summer Games. Hopefully, we will see it in winter sports as well, he added.
Meanwhile, welcoming athletes, officials and guests from across the country, the chief minister said, “In this 6th Khelo India Winter Games, I welcome all players, team members, ladies and gentlemen to your beautiful flowery valley—Gulmarg. A few weeks ago, we witnessed intense cold here. We had no idea that when the games begin, there would be such warmth that skiing would become challenging. We may have to make some adjustments.”
Referring to global winter sporting events, he said, “In the last few days, we were watching the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. I congratulate India’s skier, our own Arif Khan, who proudly waved the national flag and represented the country. I hope that from this edition of Khelo India Winter Games, a new Arif Khan will emerge.”
The chief minister expressed concern over India’s performance in international winter sporting events. “It is a matter of regret that despite our vast population, we have not yet secured a medal in the Asian Winter Games or the Olympic Winter Games. Whether you are a skier, skater or associated with any winter sport, I hope one among you will change that narrative.”
Highlighting the challenges posed by climate variability, he said, “The truth is we cannot rely solely on nature. We decide the dates for the games at the beginning of the year without knowing when snowfall will occur or how much snow will be there. I request the organizers not to fix dates in advance. Let us decide to hold the games 10 to 15 days after sufficient snowfall.”
Stressing the need for long-term infrastructure, the chief minister called for investment in artificial snow generation systems. “Time has come for us to move towards artificial snow generation. I understand concerns about water and electricity usage, but if we do not create this infrastructure, a day may come when we will not even be able to ski in Gulmarg, and that would be truly unfortunate.”
Reiterating his government’s commitment, he said, “Not only is our intention, but our full effort is to develop Gulmarg as an international ski resort. This will strengthen sports and provide economic security to all those connected with tourism.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the livelihood dimension of winter tourism. “People associated with tourism like sledge operators, ski guides, ski instructors, ATV drivers, all make their living from this snow. It is our duty to provide the means and infrastructure that promote tourism and ensure its sustenance.”
Encouraging the participants, he remarked, “I once again welcome all players who have come from across the country. I hope the next three days are wonderful for you. As always said, winning is not as important as participating. You have come here to participate, and we thank you for that.”
Minister for Youth Services & Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Commandant of the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) Major General Puneet Doval, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa, delegates, participants and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
