Chief Minister stresses on to upgrade tourists resorts

Srinagar July 18: During a meeting called to review the activities and achievements registered by Gulmarg and Wullar-Mansbal Development Authorities, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir stressed on the need for up gradation of infrastructure at all tourist resorts of the state, to encourage large scale tourist inflow from across the world throughout the year.
According to a UNI report, Abdullah asked the officers to try and restore the state’s position as the prime tourist destination and said that tourism sector has the answer to the problem of unemployment. He said Tourism Development Authorities have a pivotal role to play in this direction and make the sector vibrant and remunerative for more number of people, directly or indirectly.
Abdullah said that the slopes and snow in Gulmarg have become the world’s best skiing destination and asked the Gulmarg Development Authority to work in coordination with Cable Car Corporation in upgrading and improving cable-car facilities in the area. He stressed on introducing more cable-car facilities in Gulmarg, especially for skiers and adventure sports lovers during winter season. He also asked the authorities to work out a plan for introducing snow-scooters in Gulmarg during winter.
“You can help the youth to procure snow-scooters by arranging easy loans for them from the Jammu and Kashmir Bank and provide subsidy over it,” said Abdullah, adding that, they can lend the scooters to the riders in winter and earn their livelihoods. Abdullah said similar planning for initiating mountain biking can be introduced in Gulmarg and other feasible areas to generate economic activities for the youth.