Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said Gulmarg has a distinct attraction for tourists but stressed the need to expand infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir’s tourist destinations to create more livelihood opportunities for local people.
Speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdullah said facilities such as the Gulmarg Gondola could not be replicated at every tourist destination, but infrastructure could be developed according to the potential and character of individual places.
“Gulmarg is more attractive than other tourist destinations. Gondola facilities may not be possible every destination. We want infrastructure expanded so locals can earn more,” the Chief Minister said.
Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said tourism infrastructure should be developed in a manner that enables local people to benefit economically from the growing tourism sector.
The government has been pursuing infrastructure upgrades at Gulmarg and other tourist destinations, including improvements to the Gulmarg Gondola and additional visitor facilities. The Chief Minister had earlier said the Gondola’s capacity, ticketing system and overall visitor experience needed to be upgraded.
In the Assembly, Abdullah’s remarks came during discussions on tourism infrastructure and the development of tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir.
The government has also reported measures aimed at improving tourism facilities, including sanitation infrastructure and projects at Gulmarg, while emphasizing the need to balance development with the carrying capacity of tourist areas. [KNT]
