Sports facilities
Recently the government reviewed the arrangements put in place by the Tourism Department for winter season tourism and sports at various destinations across Kashmir Valley.
Government has directed that all sports facilities and equipment at the winter destinations be kept in a state of readiness in view of the onset of the winter season.
Officers of Tourism and related Departments recently in a high level meeting suggested setting up of Ice Parks at Gulmarg and Sonamarg for which he directed consultations with J&K Cultural Academy and Institute of Music & Fine Arts, Srinagar. They directed the setting up of an additional ski hire shop, operationalisation of snow beating machines and ski lifts at Gulmarg at the earliest. For this, he directed taking all the steps required well in advance.
Government has also reiterated the need for developing Sonamarg and Doodhpathri as winter destinations in view of the heavy rush of tourists expected during winter months. In this regard, he directed exploring possibilities of introduction of various ski courses at these destinations by placing sufficient manpower, logistics etc at these places. He also directed the establishment of a ski shop and ski lift and identification of sites for the natural Ice Skating Rink at Sonamarg for introducing winter sports at the resort.
Government suggested holding various snow competitions at Doodhpathri and developing logistics for the same. He also directed holding of festivals at lesser known tourist destinations during winter months.
