7 hrs ago
Omar Abdullah Says Tourism Plans Must Fit Each Destination
Omar Abdullah said every tourist place in Jammu and Kashmir is different.
He said the government should not build the same facilities everywhere.
Gulmarg has a very popular Gondola, but other places may need different attractions.
A Gondola project at Doodhpathri is being considered.
It can only proceed after officials approve it, required steps are completed and money is available.
Doodhpathri already has skiing during winter.
A Drag Lift is also operating there to help skiers.
The government is planning visitor facilities, parking and a transit hub to manage tourists better.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said tourism infrastructure cannot follow the Gulmarg model everywhere.
He said development should reflect each destination’s unique attractions, character and visitor potential.
A proposed Gondola project at Doodhpathri is under government consideration, subject to approvals, formalities and funding.
Skiing was introduced at Doodhpathri in 2023, while a Drag Lift became operational from 2026.
The government plans wayside facilities, a Tourist Transit Hub and 400-car parking at Doodhpathri.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Omar Abdullah, responding to MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat.
- What
- The government will use destination-specific tourism planning rather than replicate Gulmarg’s infrastructure everywhere, while considering new facilities at Doodhpathri.
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Patnitop and Doodhpathri in Budgam district.
- When
- During the ongoing Autumn Session of the Legislative Assembly; the report was dated September 22.
- Why
- Because each destination has different attractions, visitor potential and infrastructure needs, and development should also improve visitor management and reduce pressure on Doodhpathri.
Key facts
- Gondola comparison
- Omar Abdullah said Gulmarg’s Gondola has significantly higher ridership than the one at Patnitop.
- Doodhpathri Gondola
- The proposed project is under government consideration and depends on approval, requisite formalities and funding.
- Skiing
- The tourism department introduced skiing at Doodhpathri in 2023 and has continued it in subsequent winter seasons.
- Drag Lift
- A Drag Lift at Doodhpathri was constructed and made operational from 2026.
- Wayside facilities
- State land at five locations along the Arigam-Reyar Ich stretch has been identified for visitor and vendor amenities.
- Transit hub
- About 25 kanals near the Sheep Farm at Kralpathri have been identified for a Tourist Transit Hub and 400-car parking facility.
- Estimated project cost
- The Doodhpathri Tourist Transit Hub and parking proposal is estimated at Rs 75 crore under Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0.
Quotes
Omar Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and tourism portfolio holder
“Every tourist destination can’t have a Gondola. Every destination cannot be Gulmarg. We have to see something unique, as these destinations are unique in their nature.”
theprint.in
Sources
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