Sonamarg loses its charm without winter’s touch

Sonamarg, Jan 16: The Sonamarg tourist destination in Ganderbal district which was kept open in winter to boost tourism and promote it as a winter tourist destination is struggling to get life in the absence of any snowfall this year.

Sonamarg, known for its breathtaking scenic beauty, enhances its beauty with heavy snowfall during winter.

This famous destination which would usually remain closed during winters was kept open this winter due to the efforts of the administration and improved infrastructure.

With no snowfall this year, hundreds of tourists visiting the health resort are disheartened while local tourism stakeholders are concerned as this year Sonamarg presents an appearance of just any other place in the absence of snow.

Sonamarg, which is generally snow-covered at this time of the year, is dry with barren slopes of the meadows.

People associated with the tourism industry are concerned that no snowfall in Kashmir during winter would adversely affect their livelihood.

Interestingly, the administration and Tourism Department along with the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) had for the first time planned to organise several winter sports activities to promote Sonamarg as a winter tourist destination.

However, no snowfall this year has dampened winter tourism and winter sports activities.

With no snowfall to add to the charm of the tourist resort, which used to be jam-packed with tourists, due to the ongoing dry spell, the visitors are leaving disappointed.

A group of tourists from Delhi said that they had planned their vacations in Kashmir during January to see snowfall and enjoy some skiing.

“However, we are disappointed that there is no snowfall so far,” they said.

Locals said that Sonamarg or any other tourist place in Kashmir gains its value due to snowfall during winters and attracts lakhs of tourists.

They said that the current dry spell is dampening.

Noor Muhammad, a local who operates a snow bike at Sonamarg, said that if it does not snow, it would impact our livelihood.

“The tourism sector is already affected. The dry spell will also impact our agriculture and other sectors. This place does not hold the same value without snow,” he said.

People associated with tourism here are also disheartened with the current dry weather and no snowfall at Sonamarg.

A hotelier at Sonamarg said that their business had also suffered with several bookings already canceled.

Officials said that several winter sports activities were planned this winter for which the preparations were done, however, the absence of snow delayed the holding of the sports activities.

Tourist Officer Sonamarg, Basharat Ahmad said that several tourists were visiting Sonamarg every day although the tourists are missing the snowfall.