Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday laid stress on introducing artificial snow so as to start skiing early and to prolong the duration of skiing calender in Gulmarg which would also help in mitigating the effects of climate change resulting in lesser and delayed snowfalls.
The chief minister was addressing the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) in Srinagar. The four-day national event is aimed at positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a leading global destination for adventure tourism.
On the occasion, he noted that Jammu and Kashmir has remained pioneer in adventure tourism notably, in skiing mountaineering, trekking etc all across the globe. The chief minister emphasised that integration of technology is essential to promote and realise advanced adventure tourism potential in Jammu and Kashmir.
He underlined all necessary measures the Jammu and Kashmir government is taking to ensure the continued growth of the tourism sector despite challenges faced during the current season. He also appreciated the leadership of ATOAI for providing Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to host the prestigious national convention.
The chief minister said climate change and global warming were real issues which need to be talked about and we need to take steps to conserve our environment for posterity. “We won’t be able to showcase Gulmarg without snow and our glaciers have also started receding at an alarming rate,” he contended.
The CM said white water rafting, mountaineering, trekking, paragliding, rock climbing are key adventure tourism activities which can be promoted but cautioned operators to ensure high standards of safety and quality equipment to make adventure tourism safe and comfortable.
He said that adventure tourism opens up new avenues of tourism in J&K and expressed hope that partnering with ATOAI will help to develop this sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the inaugural ceremony, the chief minister launched the Adventure Tourism Roadmap and Toolkit for Jammu and Kashmir and presented ATOAI Awards to achievers in the field of adventure tourism.