From 58k to 6 lakh, Sonamarg records rise in tourist surge in last 5 years

Ganderbal, Oct 02: Sonamarg— a picturesque place in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has been witnessing a flow of tourists in the past five years and the footfall has gone up to six lakhs by this year.

The number of tourists has increased by 11 per cent and revenue by 1800% at the tourist place.

According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the number of tourists at Sonamarg has increased from 58,309 in 2019 to 6,61,539 by 2024.

In terms of revenue, a significant progress has also been made; in 2020, the income was Rs 1.63 lacs, which increased to Rs 3.51 lacs in 2021, Rs 9.7 lacs in 2022, Rs 25.8 lacs in 2023 and by 2024, it reached Rs 30.68 lacs.

According to the reports in 2020, a modern Solid Waste Management Plant was established in Sarbal Sonamarg to scientifically dispose of waste, which includes an electromagnetic disintegrator with an 11 metric ton capacity, a 5-MT auto insta-composter, and a segregator.

An official said currently around 1,270 rooms are available for tourists in Sonamarg, which includes both government and private hotels, and camping sites have also been developed.

These steps are propelling Sonamarg towards further growth in the field of tourism, establishing it as a major tourist destination.

An official told KNO that no applications were received for new hostel registrations during 2023-24, and details regarding the registration of horse riders and snow bikers are not available as it is a matter under the Department of Tourism.

Under this department, 25 assets have been created, out of which 19 have been outsourced so far.