Srinagar, Sep 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the government cannot replicate the Gulmarg tourism model at every destination, and that infrastructure must be planned according to the features and potential of each site.
Replying during Question Hour of the ongoing Autumn Session, CM Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio as per Kashmir Convener said the focus was on developing new and emerging destinations, promoting different forms of tourism and strengthening infrastructure across Jammu Division.
“We can’t make every tourist destination Gulmarg, and build gondolas at every destination. Every tourist destination has its unique and separate attraction,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Gondola at Gulmarg has higher ridership than the one at Patnitop, and such factors must be considered 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.
Doodhpathri gondola proposal under consideration
On the proposed gondola or cable car project at Doodhpathri, CM Omar said the proposal was under consideration and would be taken up subject to approval of the competent authority, completion of required formalities and availability of funds.
Snow skiing was introduced at Doodhpathri by the Tourism Department in 2023 and has been conducted in subsequent winter seasons, he said, adding that a drag lift was constructed and made operational in 2026.
Land has been identified at five locations along the Arigam-Reyar Ich stretch for wayside facilities, including amenities for visitors and local vendors. Administrative approval has been accorded at an estimated cost of ₹50 lakh, and the works are at the tendering stage.
Around 25 kanals of state land near the Sheep Farm at Kralpathri has also been identified for a Tourist Transit Hub and a 400-car parking facility at Doodhpathri. A Detailed Project Report estimated at ₹75 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism for consideration and approval.
Replying to a question by MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, CM Omar Abdullah said the government has adopted a strategy for development, promotion and diversification of tourism in Jammu Division, with emphasis on new destinations and year-round tourism.
The department is working on pilgrimage, heritage, adventure, eco, nature, rural, cultural, wellness and leisure tourism, besides improving infrastructure and tourist facilities. Development works have been taken up or initiated at Suchetgarh, Shiv Khori, Sudhmahadev, Patnitop, Basholi, Bhaderwah/Gatha, Mansar, Baradari, Kesari Hills and Behra/Qasab.
The Chief Minister said new destinations are being developed to reduce pressure on established tourist centres and distribute tourism-related economic activity across Jammu Division. The department participated in or facilitated 110 events and festivals between April 2025 and March 2026, while 43 events and festivals were covered between April and August 2026.
It participated in tourism events including GITB Jaipur, TTF Ahmedabad, IATO Convention Puri, ITM Jaipur, IITE Madurai, SATTE-2026 New Delhi and ITM Dehradun. International participation included IFTM Top Resa in Paris, World Travel Market in London and ITB Singapore.
Five pilgrimage circuits sanctioned under the Capex Plan 2020-21 are under progress: the Mansar Circuit Phase-I at a project cost of ₹9.81 crore, Shiv Khori Circuit at ₹3.14 crore, Utterbehni Circuit at ₹8.50 crore, Purmandal Circuit at ₹9.82 crore and Sukrala Circuit at ₹3.92 crore. Twenty-nine works are currently under progress under these circuits, with an approved cost of ₹5.14 crore.
The approved budget for tourism-related development activities in Jammu Division increased from ₹56.50 crore in 2023-24 to ₹61.15 crore in 2024-25 and ₹62.85 crore in 2025-26, he said.
On tourism development in Khansahib, CM Omar said the Tourism Department has started identifying and assessing areas with tourism potential. Site visits were conducted at Pushker, Shoplian, Nowgam, Drung, Habber, Banglapathri and Palmasidan in consultation with local stakeholders and Revenue and Forest Department officials.
The sites will be considered for future tourism development based on tourism potential, feasibility, land availability and statutory and administrative requirements. The process for identification, demarcation and transfer of state land at Banglapathri and along the Zoogu-Sitaharan stretch has also been initiated with the Revenue authorities.
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