Lays foundation for key tourism projects, flags off cyclothon in Gulmarg
Gulmarg: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reaffirmed his government’s resolve to reestablish Gulmarg as a premier global golf destination, promising focused attention on golfing infrastructure, international-level tournaments and tourism-friendly facilities.
According to an official press release, speaking at an award ceremony for golfers and hoteliers at the Gulmarg Golf Championship, the Chief Minister—who also holds the Tourism portfolio—said, “We want to make Gulmarg a world-class golf destination once again. Special attention will be given to golf, golf infrastructure, and tournaments so that Jammu and Kashmir can be marketed as a pre-eminent golfing destination across the globe.”
Acknowledging the effort required, Omar Abdullah said the necessary investment is justified given the economic and tourism potential of Gulmarg. “These are high-spending tourists who don’t just play golf—they stay in hotels, go sightseeing, and shop. It’s about creating a holistic experience that brings them back year after year,” he remarked.
He recalled the past glory of Gulmarg Golf Course, once a favourite among India’s top golfers. “The names of the most iconic professional and amateur golfers still adorn the walls of the Gulmarg Club. Sadly, the decline in the situation led to neglect. But we are determined to bring it back,” he said.
The Chief Minister lauded the role of the local MLA and emphasized the need for a tourist-friendly attitude towards visitors. “We must see every tourist not as a one-time visitor, but as a potential repeat guest. Their satisfaction should be our benchmark,” he asserted, stressing the need to cater to every kind of visitor—from golfers and horse riders to winter sports lovers and those who simply wish to relax in hotels.
Earlier in the day, CM Omar Abdullah inspected the newly constructed Gulmarg Convention Center, describing it as a “magnificent property” with an auditorium, meeting halls, guest rooms, and dining spaces. He floated the idea of introducing evening leisure options such as cinema screenings, coffee shops, and restaurants to make Gulmarg an “all-encompassing destination.”
Highlighting policy reforms, the Chief Minister revealed that the government is actively considering the establishment of a Jammu and Kashmir Golf Development Authority to manage and maintain all major golf courses across the Union Territory—including Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and venues like Sidhra in Jammu. “We need dedicated synergy and professional upkeep of our greens and fairways. There should be a clear distinction between fairways and roughs,” he added.
Commending his father and former CM Dr. Farooq Abdullah—a passionate golfer and someone who has built the golf infrastructure in J&K, he said that he would love to do something good for this sport.
The Chief Minister also commended MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, the driving force behind the tournament, expressing hope that such initiatives will become a recurring feature in Gulmarg’s tourism calendar.
Later, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a 726-meter ski drag lift at Kongdoori, to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹6.84 crore. He also laid the foundation for the development and beautification of the water body, popularly known as Seven Springs at Kongdoori, with the project costing ₹50 lakh.
At Kongdoori, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah interacted with tourists and enquired about their holiday experience in Kashmir. The visitors expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for his proactive role and leadership in reviving tourism in the region.
A group of ponywalas also called on the Chief Minister and apprised him of various concerns, particularly the reopening of tourist spots in and around Gulmarg. The Chief Minister assured them that all the issues raised would be addressed in a phased manner.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Gulmarg Convention Centre to inspect the ongoing works. He urged officials to expedite the remaining tasks and ensure the centre is made operational at the earliest to boost tourism and facilitate major events.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister flagged off the Cyclothon, encouraging youth participation in sports and promoting eco-friendly tourism across the Valley.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani; MLAs Farooq Ahmad Shah, Javed Riyaz Bedar, Mubarak Gul, and Tanveer Sadiq; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla; Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation; Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority; and other concerned officials.
Ready to recommend dissolution of J&K Assembly if statehood is restored: CM
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said he has no objections if the Legislative Assembly has to be dissolved and fresh elections are to be conducted after statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir.
“I have read in a newspaper that statehood will be restored but assembly elections would have to be held afresh. Let them do it, who has stopped them,” Abdullah told reporters at Gulmarg, 52 kilometres from here.
Abdullah, who was sworn in as the first chief minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year, said that statehood is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I know where the story has come from. I know who planted the story in a newspaper here…. it was planted only to scare the MLAs. This statehood is not for any MLA or the government. This statehood is for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and we MLAs will not be an obstacle in it.
“If the MLAs are being threatened with the dissolution of the Assembly for the restoration of statehood, then do it. The day the state is established again, the next day we will go to the governor and recommend the dissolution of the Assembly. Don’t try to scare us … statehood is our right and give it (back) to us. Stop planting stories in newspapers, it won’t work,” he added.(PTI)
Gulmarg Golf Course set for grand revival after decade-long lull
The deserted and abandoned historic Gulmarg Golf Course is all set for a revival after years of neglect, as J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated by the end of year, it will be able to host full-scale tournaments.
Speaking at an event in Gulmarg, Chief Minister Omar acknowledged the years of neglect that had pushed the course into disrepair, saying, given the run-down condition of the venue, it felt that Golf could never be played here again.
CM hailed recent restoration efforts as a major turnaround, crediting the local administration and Gulmarg MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah for their dedication. “Nine holes have already been readied for the sport, and the remaining nine will be completed in the next one to two months,” he announced, adding that the government is fully invested in transforming the course into a venue of national and international repute.
He further revealed that by the end of this year, the course is expected to be fully operational and ready to host major tournaments. “The remaining issues will be corrected and next year, we will begin organizing events at national and international levels”, he said.
Meanwhile, MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah, who has been actively involved in the revival drive, described the course as one of Gulmarg’s Unique Selling Points (USPs) and a powerful draw for high-end tourists.
“This is one of the USPs of Gulmarg. We promise that within the next two years, it will be a world-class course. We aim to bring it to international standards because this is not a normal golf course. It is a gem of our tourism infrastructure,” he stated.
The scenic backdrop of the Pir Panjal range, alpine meadows, and crisp mountain air makes Gulmarg an ideal destination for golfing, he said. “The scenery you see here, you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Golfers love this course not just for the game, but for the experience”.
Recognizing golf as a high-end tourism activity, MLA Shah said the initiative is also economically strategic. “A golfer is considered to be the highest spending tourist. So, if we attract more golfers here, our local tourism sector, hoteliers, guides will greatly benefit”.
The MLA revealed plans for establishing a Golf Academy in Gulmarg to promote the sport among local youth. “We will sponsor children from our schools so they can learn golf. Golf is ageless. It’s excellent for health and we want to cultivate that culture here”.
Notably, the Gulmarg Golf Course, built in 1890, is the second highest green golf course in the world.
