Gulmarg’s Snow Drought Puts Tourism on Thin Ice

Srinagar, Feb 18: In recent years, the concepts of climate change and global warming, once seen as distant environmental concerns, have become stark realities for the picturesque region of Kashmir.

This shift is severely impacting the local economy, particularly the tourism and sports sectors. The recent cancellation of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg due to insufficient snowfall exemplifies these issues.

The Khelo India Winter Games, a major event aimed at promoting winter sports in the region, was expected to attract hundreds of visitors and boost the local economy.

Hotels in Gulmarg had reportedly booked around 500 to 600 rooms in anticipation of the event. However, the event's cancellation has led to significant financial losses for the hospitality industry, with Mushtaq Chaya, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, expressing his concerns.

"We are facing huge cancellations due to the less snowfall this year in Gulmarg. Tourists who mainly visit during the winter months come to see snow, but when there is no snow, they cancel their plans," Chaya stated.

Chaya said that this season has witnessed a drastic decline in snowfall, which has not only postponed the Khelo India Winter Games but has also led to widespread cancellations across the region.

The impact of climate change is evident, as local businesses are struggling to cope with these unexpected challenges.

Rauf Tramboo, President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), highlighted the long-term implications for tourism, particularly in the recreational sector.

"Less snowfall has indeed affected tourism influx significantly. Most foreign high-end tourists who used to come for skiing and other winter sports are now choosing destinations like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan instead. Not only do these places offer reliable snow, but they are also more affordable for tourists," Tramboo noted.

Tramboo, who is also the President of the Winter Sports Games Association, stressed that the cancellation of the Khelo India Games has dashed hopes for the region's winter tourism. "What Khelo India Games did for winter tourism was bring in a good number of tourists. But now it seems that hope has been shattered," he said.

Akib Chaya, President, Hoteliers Club Gulmarg chapter, reported an alarming trend. "We are witnessing over a 30 percent decline in tourist influx this year, mainly due to the lack of snowfall. Gulmarg is the worst hit, but the impact is also being felt across other tourist destinations in Kashmir," he explained.

Local residents and businesses in Gulmarg are bracing for a challenging season. Tourism is a critical source of revenue for many families in the region, and the diminishing snow levels threaten not only their livelihoods but also the cultural identity of Kashmir as a winter tourism destination.

As climate change continues to exert its influence on the region, stakeholders are calling for urgent action and adaptation strategies.