Omar Abdullah Pushes for Artificial Snow, Flexible Scheduling at Gulmarg Games
Gulmarg, Feb 23, KNT: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday used the platform of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg to make a clear policy pitch: Jammu and Kashmir must invest in artificial snow and long-term infrastructure if it wants to compete as an international winter sports destination.
Speaking after the formal inauguration of the Games by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Chief Minister acknowledged the unpredictability of snowfall and cautioned against fixing event dates months in advance. He said winter sports planning in Gulmarg cannot remain dependent entirely on natural weather conditions and suggested that future editions of the Games be scheduled only after sufficient snowfall, preferably with a flexible window.
Abdullah also signaled a shift toward artificial snow generation systems, arguing that without such infrastructure, Gulmarg risks losing its competitive edge as a ski resort. While recognising concerns over water and electricity consumption, he said failure to modernise could eventually make skiing itself uncertain in the region.
Positioning Gulmarg as a potential international ski hub, he said the government’s effort is not symbolic but sustained, aimed at strengthening both sports performance and the tourism economy. He linked winter sports infrastructure directly to livelihoods, noting that ski instructors, sledge operators, guides and ATV drivers depend on a reliable winter season.
Referring to India’s limited presence in global winter sporting achievements, the Chief Minister expressed hope that athletes participating in the current edition would raise the country’s profile internationally.
The remarks place winter tourism, climate adaptation and sports infrastructure at the centre of the government’s broader tourism strategy for Kashmir. [KNT]
