Ganderbal, Oct 15 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the government was preparing a project to strengthen tourism infrastructure in Sonamarg and introduce adventure and winter sports activities to attract visitors throughout the year.

Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, the Chief Minister said the opening of the Z-Morh tunnel had changed Sonamarg's tourism prospects by making the destination accessible during winter, creating opportunities for year-round tourism.

“Earlier, Sonamarg would remain closed during winters and people could not reach there. There was little scope for developing winter tourism infrastructure. Now that the tunnel has been built and Sonamarg is accessible throughout the year, we are preparing a project for its development,” he said.

Omar said the government was looking at introducing rafting during summer and skiing and skating during winter to make Sonamarg a major destination for adventure tourism.

He said efforts would be made in coordination with local MLA Mehar Ali to develop new tourist attractions and improve facilities for visitors.

Referring to the proposed development of Tragbal and Mohanmarg as tourist destinations, the Chief Minister said the projects had earlier received approval and funds had also been released.

However, he said the projects could not move forward because of delays in obtaining necessary clearances and were subsequently cancelled.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Sometimes we face difficulties in getting forest, environmental and wildlife clearances. But we will follow the required procedures and work towards developing new tourist destinations,” he said.

The Chief Minister also spoke about development works in Ganderbal, saying projects worth nearly Rs 60 crore had been inaugurated or taken up, including a major bridge across the Jhelum costing around Rs 40 crore.

He said work on the bridge was progressing and the government was targeting completion by December next year.

Omar said road projects, a new school building and infrastructure at the fruit and vegetable market had also been taken up.

He said traders at the fruit market had raised demands for expansion and construction of a grade separator, which would be discussed with the National Highways Authority of India.

On concerns over deaths in the power canal in Ganderbal, Omar said the government would approach the Power Development Corporation to seek funds for fencing along the canal.

He also acknowledged traffic congestion and other infrastructure problems in the district, saying development needs and environmental protection would have to be balanced.

The Chief Minister said the government remained committed to addressing public concerns and carrying forward development projects across Ganderbal. (KNS)