Omar Pushes Artificial Snow Plan for Gulmarg: CM

Suhail Khan

Gulmarg, Feb 23: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday stressed the urgent need to shift from relying on natural snowfall to artificial snow generation in order to secure the future of winter sports and tourism in the region.

He warned that an over-reliance on weather patterns could render destinations like Gulmarg unskiable in the coming years.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) here, the Chief Minister, as per Kashmir Convener, expressed concern over the unusual weather conditions affecting the event. “Last month, we witnessed heavy snowfall, but we did not realize that by the time the Khelo India Winter Games began, there would be so much scorching sun and heat that it might not be easy for you to ski,” CM Abdullah remarked, highlighting the unpredictability of the weather.

Citing the ongoing Winter Olympics in Italy, the Chief Minister congratulated Indian skier Arif Khan, a product of Jammu and Kashmir, for representing the country on the global stage. He expressed hope that the KIWG would produce “a new Arif Khan.”

CM Omar pointed to India’s disappointing medal-less streak in the Asian and Winter Olympic Games, attributing it to a lack of adequate infrastructure. “It is the duty of people like us to provide you with the infrastructure, facilities, coaching, and training required to compete at the international level,” he said.

CM Omar urged the organizers to introduce flexibility. “Do not fix a date months in advance. Hold the Games 10 to 15 days after a good snowfall so we can ensure the right kind of slopes and conditions,” he suggested.

Emphasizing a policy shift, he declared that the era of relying solely on natural snow was over. “We cannot just trust God anymore. We have to move toward artificial snow generation. If we do not create that infrastructure, I am sorry to say, a day will come when we won’t be able to ski in Gulmarg at all,” he warned.

Acknowledging environmental concerns regarding water and electricity usage for artificial snow, CM Omar maintained that such investments were crucial not only for athletes but also for the thousands dependent on tourism, including sledge wallahs, ski guides, and instructors. “Where we prepare equipment for sports, we must make a concerted effort to boost tourism as well,” he added.

The Chief Minister further greeted athletes from across the country, wishing them success and emphasizing the spirit of participation over victory.

 

Welcoming athletes, officials, and guests from across the country, the Chief Minister said, “In this 6th Khelo India Winter Games, I welcome all players, team members, ladies, and gentlemen to your beautiful, flowery valley—Gulmarg. A few weeks ago, we witnessed intense cold here. We had no idea that when the Games begin, there would be such warmth that skiing would become challenging. We may have to make some adjustments.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the livelihood dimension of winter tourism. “People associated with tourism, like sledge operators, ski guides, ski instructors, and ATV drivers, all make their living from this snow. It is our duty to provide the means and infrastructure that promote tourism and ensure its sustenance.”

Reiterating his government’s commitment, he said, “Not only is it our intention, but our full effort is to develop Gulmarg as an international ski resort. This will strengthen sports and provide economic security to all those connected with tourism.”

On the sidelines of the event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed speculation over projecting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the face of the opposition INDIA bloc, saying any decision on leadership would be taken collectively by all constituent parties.

Reacting to recent political remarks suggesting Banerjee as a possible leader of the alliance, CM Omar said the issue has not been formally discussed within the bloc. “So far, there has been no such meeting in the INDIA bloc. I do not know where this projection is coming from,” he said.

He said individual leaders are entitled to express personal views but stressed that decisions regarding leadership would be taken jointly. “Anyone can give their personal opinion. They have that right. But in the end, when a decision is made, it will be made by all parties together in the INDIA bloc,” he said.

On the role of the opposition at the national level, CM Omar backed Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, saying he has been effectively raising issues against the ruling BJP. “He consistently targets the BJP and the government on various issues. That is the responsibility of the Leader of the Opposition. What more is expected?” CM Omar said.

He said that while the Congress may not have a strong electoral presence in every region, the broader responsibility of the INDIA bloc is to collectively oppose the BJP. “It is the job of the INDIA bloc to oppose the BJP. In that regard, I do not see any shortcoming in Rahul Gandhi’s role,” he added.