SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the Government cannot replicate the Gulmarg model of tourism infrastructure at every destination in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that development plans must take into account the unique character, attractions and visitor potential of each location.
Replying to questions by MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat during the ongoing Autumn Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said the Government was adopting a destination-specific approach rather than creating identical infrastructure across tourist destinations.
“We can’t make every tourist destination Gulmarg, and build gondolas at every destination. Every tourist destination has its unique and separate attraction,” the Chief Minister said.
He pointed out that the Gulmarg Gondola records significantly higher ridership than the facility at Patnitop, adding that such factors need to be assessed before proposing similar infrastructure elsewhere. “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,” he said.
On the proposed Gondola/Cable Car project at Doodhpathri, Omar said the proposal was currently under consideration of the Government. The project would be taken up subject to approval by the competent authority, completion of requisite formalities and availability of funds.
