JK Govt contemplates autonomous body to promote sports: JK CM

           Gulmarg (J&K) – The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has stressed on comprehensive and integrated plan to make tourist resorts of the State more attractive with improved facilities of power, accommodation and other related amenities even as he hinted at setting up of an autonomous sports body to promote sports in the State. 

            Declaring open the three-day 2nd Annual Gulmarg Global Derby organized by the Tourism department at this famous Ski resort on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the tourism industry is the mainstay of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and provides employment to thousands of people directly and indirectly. He said that he was very happy to see skiers of international repute participating in the event at Gulmarg adding that it offers the best slopes to enjoy skiing. He said during last 20 years only bad news filtered from the State but with the improvement in the situation, focus has again shifted on Jammu and Kashmir and this would help boost the tourism industry.

The Chief Minister said Gandola, the brain child of former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, now provides easy access to the tourists and skiers coming from various parts of the world to enjoy skiing and the beauty of Gulmarg. He said tourist related facilities like accommodation, transport etc. need to be upgraded. He said constraints in making these facilities available to the tourists need to be identified so that these are addressed and Gulmarg is made a resort where tourists in large numbers visit in both summer and winter months. He impressed the need for preparing a round the year calendar for hosting such events.

           Omar Abdullah said that we have to go all out for popularizing Gulmarg as a skiing destination within and outside the country adding, that Government would develop the necessary infrastructure for the purpose. He appealed to the media to spread the message that “Gulmarg, the Heaven on earth, welcomes everyone to enjoy God’s Gift. It is open for business and tourists”.

            The Chief Minister, also a keen skier himself, skied from Kongdoori downhill.

            Later, interacting with the media, the Chief Minister said that his Government would promote sports activities in the State in a big way as this sector had suffered due to militancy. He said he had skied himself today to send a message that security scenario has improved considerably and anybody can come and enjoy the beauty and other tourist attractions of the Valley. He said Government contemplates to set up an autonomous body for promoting sports activities so that youth and sports lovers are imparted training and could compete in national and international events.

            Omar Abdullah said that Tourism department has kept available ski equipment for the tourists on reasonable rates to promote winter sports at Gulmarg.

            In reply to a question, the Chief Minister said that Dal Lake is to be preserved and its pristine glory restored. He said the High Court has also ordered for removing the encroachments from the world famous water body.

            Minister for Tourism and Culture. Nawang Rigzin Jora, Secretary, Tourism Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, Secretary, Winter Games Federation of India R.K. Gupta, Director Tourism Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, CEO, Gulmarg Development Authority Mr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, Managing Director, Cable Car Corporation Mr. Farooq Ahmad Khan besides, large number of tourists, skiers and locals were present on the occasion.

            The Chief Minister gave away trophies to skiers N.A. Mir, G.H. Hajam,. S.A. Wani, Mtr. Hafiza Hassan and G.M. Dev.

            Trophies were also presented to the Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Culture by the Tourism department. (Visit:-  www.scoopnews.in)