Kashmir Impulse Desk
Ganderbal, Oct 15
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that the government was preparing a plan to develop Sonamarg into a year-round destination for adventure tourism and winter sports following the opening of a tunnel that provides all-weather access to the resort.
Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination in the Kashmir Valley, was previously largely inaccessible during winter. The opening of the tunnel has created opportunities to expand tourism activities beyond the summer season, Abdullah said.
“We want to promote rafting during summer and skiing, skating and other winter sports activities,” he told reporters after attending the 70th National School Games in Ganderbal district.
Abdullah said he would work with Kangan legislator Mian Mehar Ali to strengthen Sonamarg’s position as a tourist destination.
The chief minister also addressed traffic congestion along the Beehama-Kheer Bhawani road, where roadside chinar trees have complicated efforts to improve traffic flow.
He said the government would seek a solution that balanced infrastructure development with environmental protection, including the possible removal of some trees and planting eight to 10 chinars at alternative locations away from roads.
On deaths in a power canal in Ganderbal, Abdullah said the government would approach the Power Development Corporation for funds to install fencing along the canal.
Abdullah inaugurated five completed development projects worth Rs 16.72 crore and laid foundation stones for two projects costing a combined Rs 41.54 crore, taking the total value of the works to Rs 58.26 crore.
The projects include a bridge over the Jhelum river at Guzhama Shilwat, to be built at Rs 39 crore, and a multi-purpose auction platform at the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi in Zazuna, estimated at Rs 2.54 crore.
The bridge is expected to improve connectivity for residents, while the auction platform is intended to strengthen trading facilities for fruit and vegetable growers.
The completed works include several road projects, a double-storey building at Government High School Gogjigund and improvements to roads linking villages and settlements across the district.
During a visit to the fruit and vegetable market, Abdullah reviewed arrangements for the ongoing harvest season and met farmers and growers, who raised concerns affecting the horticulture sector. He said their demands would be considered for appropriate action.
He said traders had also sought expansion of the market, construction of a boundary wall and a grade separator. The government had discussed the matter with National Highways Authority of India officials, he added.
The chief minister reviewed progress on the Srinagar Ring Road project, including construction and upgrading of the Pandaach-Manigam section.
The 12.12-km stretch is being upgraded from a two-lane road to a four-lane dual carriageway at Rs 290.51 crore. The project includes bridges, a flyover, culverts and service and slip roads, and is scheduled for completion by May 2028.
Abdullah also reviewed work on the Sindh River Front and the Ganderbal Municipal Town Hall.
The first phase of the riverfront project, approved at Rs 4.83 crore, includes a protection wall, landscaping, a paved walkway, a viewpoint, a patio cafe and ornamental lighting.
The Rs 3 crore town hall extension and upgrade project was also reviewed, with officials directed to expedite construction.
Abdullah said the government was working to accelerate development across sectors in Ganderbal. He said his visit was primarily aimed at attending the National School Games, where participants from across India were competing in Wushu and Taekwondo.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, ministers Sakina Itoo and Javid Dar, the chief minister’s adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and senior officials accompanied Abdullah during the visit.
