Srinagar, July 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed encouraging growth in tourism over the past year, with efforts underway to promote adventure tourism, religious tourism, sporting events, and other tourism-related activities across the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah referred to the Kashmir Marathon, saying such events play an important role in projecting J&K as a destination for adventure and sports tourism. He expressed hope that similar events would continue in the coming years and help attract more visitors to the region.
The Chief Minister said the government’s vision is to diversify tourism and ensure that J&K benefits from multiple tourism sectors. “Tourism is not limited to destination weddings or conferences alone, but also includes sporting events, cultural activities, adventure tourism, and religious tourism, all of which contribute to economic growth and employment generation,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of religious tourism, Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir offers a unique blend of spiritual destinations, including shrines, mosques, temples, gurudwaras, churches, and Buddhist stupas. He said the ongoing Amarnath Yatra has witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees, with many more pilgrims attempting to undertake the pilgrimage than the number originally registered.
The CM said the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board is facing challenges in managing the increasing rush while complying with Supreme Court guidelines that place a ceiling on the number of pilgrims allowed on the track and at the holy cave on a daily basis. He clarified that the management of the yatra rests with the Shrine Board and that the government does not interfere in its functioning. However, he said every department of the government plays a role in supporting the pilgrimage.
“The government’s responsibility is to provide full support,” he said, adding that tourism remains the parent department for the yatra, handling coordination and funding requirements to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Referring to the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, the CM said the event witnessed a significant increase in participation this year. He stated that while only around 5,000 to 6,000 devotees attended last year, nearly 10,000 devotees stayed overnight during this year’s mela, while the overall footfall crossed 30,000. “The trend reflects the growing strength of religious tourism in both Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government is also working on improving facilities and accessibility at various religious sites wherever required. He added that projects related to repairs, restoration, and improved access are being taken up whenever necessary.
On tourism development, Omar Abdullah acknowledged that several tourist destinations remain closed. Recalling a security review and development meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Assembly session in Jammu, he said assurances were given regarding the reopening of several tourist destinations during the summer season. He specifically mentioned Aharbal, Sinthan Top, parts of Doodhpathri, Gulmarg, and other locations that remain inaccessible.
He expressed hope that once the Amarnath Yatra concludes and security forces deployed for the pilgrimage are redeployed elsewhere, these tourist destinations will be reopened for visitors.
Addressing concerns about climate change, CM Abdullah described it as one of the most serious challenges facing the world today. Referring to the early melting of the Amarnath Shivling, he said the phenomenon clearly reflects changing climatic conditions.
“We are suffering through intense heat this summer. If this is not climate change, then what is?” he remarked.
The Chief Minister said climate change is a global problem that cannot be solved by a single region or country. He observed that many developed nations achieved economic progress through industrial growth that contributed significantly to environmental degradation, and now the world faces the consequences of those actions.
At the same time, he stressed that everyone has a responsibility to protect the environment. He urged people to first acknowledge that climate change is a reality, noting that some individuals still refuse to accept the existence of global warming despite visible evidence.
Recalling his childhood, Omar Abdullah said snow used to remain visible on the surrounding mountains even during the summer months. Today, he said, such scenes have become rare.
The CM also pointed out that the naturally formed Amarnath Shivling earlier remained intact for 15 to 25 days, whereas it now melts within a much shorter period. “The Shivling is a natural formation, and its shrinking duration highlights the impact of changing weather conditions. Better environmental protection and collective action against climate change may help preserve such natural phenomena in the future,” he said.
