Srinagar : With Kashmir preparing to host the G20 summit, Gulmarg is expected to give a huge flip to tourism.
CEO Gulmarg Development Authority Ghulam Jeelani Zargar said that Gulmarg is ready to receive delegates and they have set up infrastructure meeting international standards.
“The parks have been modified, parking facilities have been improved. We have established multiple brass based selfie points with lighting systems. Special view indexes which are going to give an extraordinary experience to the people besides, wooden signage, seating arrangements designed as per traditional and natural way,” he said.
The facilities at Gulmarg Gondola have been improved as well as in Afarwat, the second phase of the cable car project.
“There were no convenience points as well as food facilities but now we have established standard food facilities and washrooms as well. In phase first, there has been world class infrastructure with food facilities. 20 public washroom compartments including at Kongdori besides private security personnel have been deployed to assist the people,” he said.
Zargar said that the high-profile event would give a boost to foreign tourism especially in the winter season. The meadow is especially among the favourite winter destinations for skiers.
“We usually witness domestic tourist arrivals, but G20 is surely going to draw foreigners,” he added.
He said that they have carried out development works to enhance the aesthetic value of the existing structures, footpaths. “Medians have been developed, hoardings have been installed. Welcome boards and signages were erected in Gulmarg. The road to Gulmarg from Srinagar, the Narbal-Gulmarg stretch, is being given a new look,” he said.
He also said that 1.4 lakh tourists have visited Gulmarg in north Kashmir in April alone.
Zargar, who also holds the charge as Managing Director, JK Cable Car Corporation, told that Gulmarg Gondola – the second longest and second highest cable car in the world crossed Rs 100 crore sales. Earlier, it would generate about 40 crores.
On fake ticketing, he said that there is decline in such incidents as many cases were registered against some people from Mumbai and Kolkata. “We used to get many complaints regarding black marketing of tickets, but after taking strict action against those mischievous elements including locals guides, the situation has now entirely changed,” he said.
