Context:
- Gulmarg, a premier hill destination in Jammu & Kashmir, marked a major milestone in winter tourism with the inauguration of Asia’s longest ski drag lift.
- The project was inaugurated by Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, along with a conference hall at the Gulmarg Golf Club.
- The initiative aims to position Gulmarg as a global winter sports destination and strengthen the tourism-led economy of the region.
Key Highlights:
Infrastructure Development
- Asia’s longest ski drag lift launched at Gulmarg.
- Length: Approximately 726 metres.
- Cost: Around ₹23.65 crore.
- Altitude coverage: From 2,600 m to 2,726 m above mean sea level.
Tourism & Sports Promotion
- Enhances facilities for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts.
- Supports training and hosting of national and international skiing events.
- Gulmarg has previously hosted the Khelo India Winter Games, strengthening its sporting credentials.
Conference Infrastructure
- A new conference hall inaugurated at Gulmarg Golf Club.
- Capacity to host around 400 participants.
- Designed to support business tourism, conferences, and global sporting events.
Vision & Governance
- The project aligns with the vision of making Jammu & Kashmir a global tourism hub.
- Emphasis on sustainable tourism, modern infrastructure, and local employment generation.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Location: Gulmarg, Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Key Feature: Asia’s longest ski drag lift.
- Implementing Authority: Jammu & Kashmir administration.
- Tourism Type:
- Winter tourism
- Sports tourism
- Adventure tourism
- Associated Event: Khelo India Winter Games.
- Significance: Enhances India’s profile in global winter sports infrastructure.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Tourism as an Economic Driver:
- Tourism plays a critical role in employment generation and regional development in hilly and border regions.
- Winter tourism diversifies income beyond seasonal tourism.
- Governance & Regional Development:
- Infrastructure-led tourism strengthens integration of Jammu & Kashmir with national growth processes.
- Improves investor confidence and global perception of stability in the region.
- Sustainability Concerns:
- Need to balance tourism growth with ecological sensitivity of Himalayan regions.
- Carrying capacity assessment and eco-friendly infrastructure are essential.
- Way Forward:
- Promote skill development for local youth in winter sports and hospitality.
- Expand international collaborations for winter sports training.
- Strengthen connectivity, safety standards, and environmental safeguards.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS I: Geography – Himalayan region, tourism
- GS II: Governance, regional development
- GS III: Tourism economy, infrastructure development, sustainability