Ganderbal, Oct 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the government is working to establish Sonamarg as a year-round tourist destination, with a special focus on adventure sports, winter tourism and the development of new tourist spots.
He expressed concern over repeated incidents of people losing their lives in the Power Development Corporation (PDC) canal, saying the government would take up the matter with the corporation to explore the possibility of fencing both sides of the canal.
Addressing the media persons here, Omar Abdullah said the opening of the Sonamarg Tunnel has transformed the region’s tourism potential by ensuring year-round connectivity, unlike earlier years when the destination remained closed during winter.
“With the construction of the Sonamarg Tunnel, Sonamarg is now open for tourism throughout the year,” he said, adding that the government is preparing a comprehensive project to promote new tourist destinations and winter sports activities in the area.
The Chief Minister said the administration aims to bring Sonamarg prominently onto the tourism map as a destination for adventure sports, including river rafting during summer and skiing and skating during winter, in coordination with Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali.
Omar highlighted the proposed development of two tourist destinations, Tara Kul and Mohanmarg, stating that the projects had been sanctioned and funds released but were stalled at the final stage due to pending clearances. He said the government would pursue the required forest, environmental and wildlife permissions in accordance with established procedures to ensure the projects move forward.
On the issue of public safety, the CM acknowledged concerns over incidents involving people falling into the PDC canal and said the government would approach the corporation to request financial support for installing protective fencing along both sides. He clarified that the decision does not fall directly under his authority, as the corporation is controlled by the Lieutenant Governor.
The Chief Minister also addressed traffic congestion linked to the Chinars in Ganderbal, saying an alternative road being developed from the hospital area could help ease the problem. However, he pointed to challenges in undertaking work around the infrastructure.
Earlier, Omar Abdullah, who represents Ganderbal in the Assembly, said his government was making efforts to accelerate development across the district, with projects worth nearly Rs 60 crore either inaugurated or taken up for foundation-laying during the day.
Among the major projects is a bridge over the Jhelum River, estimated to cost Rs 40 crore. He said efforts were underway to begin construction of the pillars by April, with the bridge expected to be completed by December next year.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated road projects and a new school building, besides visiting the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi at Zazna, where a modern auction shed and office facilities were inaugurated. He interacted with stakeholders of the horticulture sector and discussed their demands concerning the expansion of the mandi and the construction of a grade separator.
CM Abdullah said he had taken up the matter with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials and assured that the demands would be examined with the aim of strengthening the district’s horticulture economy and improving market infrastructure.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also reviewed development-related issues, including the Ring Road, Sindh River Front and Town Hall projects, while taking stock of the district’s ongoing development activities.
He attended the inaugural ceremony of the 70th National School Games at the Government College of Physical Education in Ganderbal. The event brought together young athletes from 23 states and Union Territories, with Jammu and Kashmir hosting competitions in Wushu and Taekwondo.
Expressing hope for the successful conduct of the sporting event, Omar Abdullah said these disciplines had considerable interest among local students and that the participation of young athletes from across the country would provide an important platform for sporting talent.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government would continue working to accelerate development in Ganderbal, improve public infrastructure and unlock the tourism potential of Sonamarg while addressing issues affecting the daily lives of local residents.
