Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday stressed the urgent need for artificial snow generation in Gulmarg to safeguard winter sports and strengthen tourism, saying climate variability poses a serious challenge to traditional winter games in the region.
Addressing the commencement of the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, the Chief Minister welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of adapting to changing weather conditions.He noted that recent snowfall patterns have become unpredictable, forcing authorities to rethink long-term planning for winter sports infrastructure.
CM said the government is committed to developing Gulmarg as an international skiing destination and ensuring consistent sporting activity despite climate challenges.He also underlined that reliance solely on natural snowfall is no longer sustainable and called for the introduction of artificial snow generation systems to secure the future of winter games.
He further acknowledged that some concerns may arise over artificial snow projects but said such measures are necessary to prevent loss of tourism opportunities and protect livelihoods linked to winter tourism.“Thousands of local stakeholders, including hoteliers, guides, transport operators and small businesses, depend on the winter season,” he added.
The Chief Minister said the administration will extend every possible support to athletes and sports infrastructure to nurture more international-level competitors from Jammu and Kashmir. “Congratulating skier Arif Khan for bringing laurels to the region, he expressed hope that more athletes would emerge from the games,” he said.He added that participation in sports remains as important as winning medals, adding that sustained investment in winter sports and tourism will position Gulmarg among leading global skiing destinations while ensuring economic stability for local communities.
Meanwhile, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday said the government is working to develop Gulmarg into an international skiing destination as the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games got underway with participation from across the country and abroad.
Addressing athletes, officials and spectators at the opening ceremony, the Advisor said hosting the games for the sixth time reflects Jammu and Kashmir’s growing stature in winter sports.“It is a moment of pride for us. Our aim is to take Gulmarg to such heights that it hosts more international sporting events in the future,” he said.
He said sustained efforts are being made to establish Gulmarg as the country’s premier skiing hub, though weather conditions occasionally pose challenges to winter sports activities.The Advisor added that the government is focusing on promoting multiple sporting disciplines to strengthen the overall sports ecosystem in the Union Territory.
Welcoming foreign athletes, he said international participation enhances the profile of the event and helps promote Jammu and Kashmir as a global winter sports destination.Highlighting the potential of local youth, he said Jammu and Kashmir has immense sporting talent that needs proper support, training and infrastructure. With the right facilities, local athletes can win medals and bring laurels to the region, he added
Follow us
