Jammu Tawi, Sep 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday told the Legislative Assembly that not every tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir can be developed on the lines of Gulmarg or equipped with a gondola, stressing the need for a destination-specific approach to tourism development.
Replying to questions by MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat, CM Omar, said tourism infrastructure must be planned according to the unique character and potential of each destination.
“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 Gulmarg Gondola registers significantly higher ridership than the Patnitop ropeway, and such factors have to be considered before taking up similar projects elsewhere.
On the proposed gondola/cable car project at Doodhpathri, CM Omar said the proposal is under consideration and will be taken up subject to approval, completion of formalities and availability of funds.
He said winter adventure tourism at Doodhpathri has been strengthened since the introduction of snow skiing by the Tourism Department in 2023.
“A drag lift has also been constructed and made operational from 2026, providing additional facilities for skiers and enabling regular skiing training and other winter adventure activities,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government is also pursuing infrastructure development around Doodhpathri to improve visitor management and reduce pressure on the destination.
State land at five locations along the Arigam-Reyar Ich stretch has been identified for development of wayside facilities for visitors and local vendors. Administrative approval for the project, estimated at Rs 50 lakh, has been accorded and the work is at the tendering stage.
He added that around 25 kanals of state land near the Sheep Farm at Kralpathri has been identified for a Tourist Transit Hub and a 400-car parking facility.
A Detailed Project Report estimated at Rs 75 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 has been prepared and submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism for approval.
“The proposed transit hub and parking facility is aimed at regulating vehicular movement and improving visitor management at Doodhpathri, thereby reducing vehicular pressure at the destination,” he said.
Replying to a separate question by MLA Yudhvir Sethi, the Chief Minister said the government has adopted a comprehensive strategy to promote and diversify tourism in Jammu Division, with a focus on emerging destinations and year-round tourism.
He said the Tourism Department is focusing on pilgrimage, heritage, adventure, eco, nature, rural, cultural, wellness and leisure tourism, alongside strengthening infrastructure and tourist amenities.
Major destinations where developmental works have been taken up include Suchetgarh, Shiv Khori, Sudhmahadev, Patnitop, Basholi, Bhaderwah/Gatha, Mansar, Baradari, Kesari Hills and Behra/Qasab.
The Chief Minister said the government is also focusing on developing new destinations to reduce pressure on established tourist centres and distribute tourism-related economic activity more widely across Jammu Division.
On tourism promotion, Omar said the department has undertaken publicity and promotional campaigns at local, national and international levels.