Snowfall brings cheers to tourists in Gulmarg

Baramulla, Dec 28: The fresh spell of snowfall across Kashmir brought cheers to the tourists who were holidaying in the world famous ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

All the tourists including those who arrived earlier this month and those who reached Gulmarg yesterday were seen cherishing the snowfall.

"We are a group of 10 to 12 tourists and we are enjoying fresh snowfall. We are dancing and having fun and Gulmarg received snowfall on the same day we arrived here," said a male tourist from Kolkata who was seen dancing with the group to enjoy the snow.

Another female tourist of the same group shared that this was the first snowfall she saw in her life. "The snowfall was much awaited and much needed here. We are really enjoying it," the female tourist from West Bengal said.

The tourists were seen enjoying making snowmen in Gulmarg and making fun with the snow flakes.

"It is my first visit to Gulmarg. It is exciting and nice. While making our holiday plans we were checking weather reports every day. It was a surprise that it snowed here. I really want to tell everyone that come to Gulmarg and enjoy the snowfall," said a female tourist from Hyderabad

Another tourist while expressing his happiness said Kashmir was really "a heaven on earth". "We are thankful to God that it snowed today. I want to send a message that everyone should visit Kashmir at least once before we die," a male tourist said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) Tariq Hussain said that tourist destination Gulmarg was fully packed with the tourists.

"There were some issues reported yesterday wherein some tourists were stranded on Gulmarg-Tangmarg road but all the tourists were accommodated with the help of Police and locals," CEO GDA told Greater Kashmir.

He said that they were expecting more footfall of tourists from Sunday post snowfall. "Our hotels are fully booked and we are expecting the arrival of more tourists," he said.

He said that despite continuous snowfall, the Gondola was also functional and the tourists enjoyed their ride amid the snowfall. "Overall, Gulmarg was managed very well," he said.

Amid the snowfall and increasing footfall of the tourists towards Gulmarg, the Baramulla Police issued an advisory for the tourists visiting Gulmarg wherein it was stated that vehicle movement on Gulmarg-Tangmarg road will be permitted only between 8am to 6pm.

"Anti-skid chains are mandatory for all vehicles including 4*4 vehicles. Ensure your fuel tank is full before starting your trip. Confirm that battery, brakes, lights, windshield wipers and defrosters of your vehicles are in good conditions," the Police advisory reads.

Even though the snowfall brought cheers to the tourists, it brought business and other essential services to a standstill in Baramulla.

During the early hours on Saturday, most of the roads remained blocked due to accumulation of the snow due to which the traffic remained off the roads as well. The electricity remained cut off for several hours while the business activities remained affected as shoppers were missing from the market while the business establishments remained closed in the town.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa said that 90 percent of priority 1 and priority 2 roads including Srinagar-Uri highway, Baramulla-Kupwara highway, Sopore-Kupwara highway were clear.

"Work was also started on the inner link road and PMGSY roads as well. All the men and machinery were pressed the whole day to clear the snow," he said. DC Baramulla said that efforts were on to restore 100 percent electricity supply as well while teams of the PHE department were active on ground as well. "Out of 207 11KV, 160 were restored and left out feeders will be restored till evening. Continuous action is going on at Gulmarg-Tangmarg road as well," he said.

He said the teams of SDPO and SDM Gulmarg were on job to avoid any inconveniences to the tourists.