SRINAGAR: In a continued push to develop Gulmarg as an all-season tourist destination, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday laid foundation stones for two major infrastructure projects at Kongdoori, a 726-metre ski drag lift and a beautification project for the iconic Seven Springs.
The ski drag lift, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 6.84 crore, is expected to significantly boost winter sports infrastructure in the region by facilitating training and improved access for skiers. Officials said the project will enhance Kongdoori’s capacity to host skiing events and attract both amateur and professional athletes.
Alongside, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for the beautification and development of the Seven Springs water body, a popular natural attraction at Kongdoori. Estimated to cost Rs 50 lakh, the initiative aims to improve the aesthetics of the area and enhance the visitor experience through landscaping, pathway development, and conservation efforts.
During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with tourists, many of whom expressed satisfaction over the growing infrastructure and renewed focus on Gulmarg. He also met local ponywalas who raised concerns about access to traditional tourist spots and livelihood issues. The Chief Minister assured them that their issues would be addressed in a phased manner and underlined the administration’s intent to balance development with local interests.
“Our aim is to build facilities that attract visitors while ensuring that the local community benefits from tourism growth,” the Chief Minister said during the interaction.
Officials accompanying the Chief Minister included Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Farooq Ahmad Shah and others, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, and senior officials from Gulmarg Development Authority and J&K Cable Car Corporation.
The visit to Kongdoori formed part of a broader series of events chaired by the Chief Minister in Gulmarg, which included inspections, sporting initiatives, and announcements aimed at positioning the hill station as a leading tourism and sports destination in Jammu and Kashmir.
