Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Apr 07: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said the J&K Cable Car Corporation intends to install a gondola from Yatri Niwas, Pahalgam to Baisaran, while there is no proposal to install a gondola from Pahalgam to Aru.
Responding to a query by MLA Pahalgam Mohammad Altaf Wani, the In-charge Minister for Tourism, in a written reply as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that Pahalgam is a famous tourist destination with vast stretches of green forests, wildlife, recreation parks, pastoral lands, rivers, and high-altitude lakes, making it ideal for eco-tourism, adventure lovers, and trekkers.
Besides, Pahalgam holds additional importance as it is located en route to the Shri Amarnath Ji Cave, which receives lakhs of yatris every year.
“As per the provisions envisaged in the Master Plan 2014–2032, the Pahalgam Development Authority is taking initiatives to promote eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism in the area, including the protection of the fragile environment for sustainable tourism by developing infrastructure, promoting tourism, focusing on cultural aspects, and engaging youth in tourism activities,” he said.
The minister said the major steps being taken up by the Tourism Department for the protection of the fragile environment and to boost eco-tourism, adventure, cultural, and winter activities include: augmentation of the Solid Waste Treatment Plant at Pahalgam, augmentation of the 2.00 MLD STP at Pahalgam, development of tourism infrastructure by upgrading existing recreation spots and marketplaces, development of infrastructure on the Yatra route such as campsites, huts, and helipads.
Currently, 13 different adventure activities are being conducted in Pahalgam by the Tourism Department. Additionally, winter activities are being carried out in Pahalgam by the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports.”
“J&K Cable Car Corporation intends to install a ropeway project (gondola) from Yatri Niwas, Pahalgam to Baisaran. However, a Pahalgam to Aru cable car (gondola) is not proposed at present, as the site would require a feasibility study, and projects of this scale have substantial financial implications,” the minister added—(KNO)
