Srinagar, September 22 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the government cannot replicate the Gulmarg tourism model at every destination in Jammu and Kashmir and that tourism infrastructure must be planned according to the features and potential of individual destinations.

Replying to questions during Question Hour of the ongoing Autumn Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said the government was focusing on developing new and emerging destinations, promoting different forms of tourism and strengthening infrastructure across Jammu Division.

“We can’t make every tourist destination Gulmarg, and build gondolas at every destination. Every tourist destination has its unique and separate attraction,” Abdullah said.

He said the Gondola at Gulmarg has higher ridership than the one at Patnitop and such factors have to be considered before proposing similar infrastructure at other destinations.

“Every tourist destination can’t have a Gondola. Every destination cannot be Gulmarg. We have to see something unique, as these destinations are unique in their nature,” he said.

On the proposed Gondola or cable car project at Doodhpathri, the Chief Minister said the proposal was under consideration and would be taken up subject to approval of the competent authority, completion of required formalities and availability of funds.

He said snow skiing was introduced at Doodhpathri by the Tourism Department in 2023 and has been conducted during subsequent winter seasons. A drag lift was constructed and made operational in 2026.

The government has also identified land at five locations along the Arigam-Reyar Ich stretch for wayside facilities, including amenities for visitors and local vendors. Administrative approval for the facilities has been accorded at an estimated cost of ?50 lakh and the works are at the tendering stage.

Around 25 kanals of state land near the Sheep Farm at Kralpathri has also been identified for a Tourist Transit Hub and a 400-car parking facility at Doodhpathri.

A Detailed Project Report for the proposed facility, estimated at ?75 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism for consideration and approval.

Tourism Allocation Rises to ?62.85 Crore

Replying to a question raised by MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, Abdullah said the government has adopted a strategy for the development, promotion and diversification of tourism in Jammu Division, with emphasis on new destinations and year-round tourism.

He said the Tourism Department is working on pilgrimage, heritage, adventure, eco, nature, rural, cultural, wellness and leisure tourism, besides improving infrastructure and tourist facilities.

Development works have been taken up or initiated at Suchetgarh, Shiv Khori, Sudhmahadev, Patnitop, Basholi, Bhaderwah/Gatha, Mansar, Baradari, Kesari Hills and Behra/Qasab.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Chief Minister said the government is also developing new destinations to reduce pressure on established tourist centres and distribute tourism-related economic activity across Jammu Division.

He said the department participated in or facilitated 110 events and festivals between April 2025 and March 2026, while 43 events and festivals were covered between April and August 2026.

The department participated in tourism events including GITB Jaipur, TTF Ahmedabad, IATO Convention Puri, ITM Jaipur, IITE Madurai, SATTE-2026 New Delhi and ITM Dehradun. International participation included IFTM Top Resa in Paris, World Travel Market in London and ITB Singapore.

The Chief Minister said five pilgrimage circuits sanctioned under the Capex Plan 2020-21 are under progress.

These include the Mansar Circuit Phase-I with a project cost of ?9.81 crore, Shiv Khori Circuit at ?3.14 crore, Utterbehni Circuit at ?8.50 crore, Purmandal Circuit at ?9.82 crore and Sukrala Circuit at ?3.92 crore.

He said 29 works are currently under progress under these circuits, with an approved cost of ?5.14 crore.

The approved budget for tourism-related development activities in Jammu Division increased from ?56.50 crore in 2023-24 to ?61.15 crore in 2024-25 and ?62.85 crore in 2025-26, he said.

Khansahib Tourism Sites Being Assessed

On tourism development in Khansahib, Abdullah said the Tourism Department has started identifying and assessing areas with tourism potential.

He said site visits were conducted at Pushker, Shoplian, Nowgam, Drung, Habber, Banglapathri and Palmasidan in consultation with local stakeholders and Revenue and Forest Department officials.

The sites will be considered for future tourism development based on their tourism potential, feasibility, land availability and statutory and administrative requirements.

The process for identification, demarcation and transfer of state land at Banglapathri and along the Zoogu-Sitaharan stretch has also been initiated with the Revenue authorities.

Power Amnesty Scheme Under Examination

On the power sector, Abdullah said the government was examining the proposal to reintroduce or extend the Amnesty Scheme for power consumers.

Replying to a question by MLA Vikram Randhawa, the Chief Minister said repeated amnesty schemes could affect timely payment of electricity bills.

“Giving amnesty repeatedly is injustice with those who pay bills on time and it also encourages consumers not to pay bills on time and wait for amnesty,” he said.

He, however, said the government could consider relief for people living below the poverty line and other underprivileged consumers on a case-to-case basis.(KNS)