Srinagar, Dec 17: Warning that climate change poses a serious threat to Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism economy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said destinations like Gulmarg cannot survive without reliable snowfall, calling for urgent adoption of sustainable and technology-driven solutions.
The Chief Minister was addressing the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), which he inaugurated at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. He stressed the need for responsible adventure tourism in the face of mounting environmental challenges.
Highlighting the direct link between winter tourism and snow conditions, Omar Abdullah said shrinking snowfall and receding glaciers are stark realities that can no longer be ignored. “No snow means no Gulmarg,” he remarked, urging stakeholders to explore options such as artificial snow-making and modern technologies to sustain skiing and other winter-based activities.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged that the tourism sector in the Union Territory has witnessed a difficult year due to multiple disruptions. He said recovery would require collective efforts and sustained government support to ensure smooth, safe and reliable travel experiences for visitors.
Emphasising safety and professionalism, Omar Abdullah said adventure tourism must draw a clear line between calculated risk and recklessness, adding that operators have a moral responsibility for the safety of tourists who entrust their lives to them.
Calling for diversification, he encouraged the promotion of activities like paragliding, hot-air ballooning and structured adventure training programmes to develop Jammu and Kashmir as a year-round adventure tourism destination.
Describing the event as a “homecoming,” the Chief Minister shared personal reflections from his own adventure experiences, underlining the values of exploration and humility. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to work closely with ATOAI and other stakeholders to promote innovation, sustainability and safety, positioning adventure tourism as a key pillar of a resilient and progressive Jammu and Kashmir. (JKNS)
