Tunnel to Prosperity

Nestled amidst mountains, famous tourist resort Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district is all set to get all-weather road connectivity. There is a festive atmosphere in Kashmir as Sonamarg, meadow of gold, will make its mark on Kashmir's winter tourism map.
Sonamarg remained cut-off from the rest of the valley due to heavy snowfall and avalanches from Gagangir stretch in winters. However, after the construction of the Z-Morh Tunnel, the resort will remain open even in winter. This is set to be a game changer for Sonamarg.

The Z-Morh Tunnel is so strategically important that it will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13. Situated at an altitude of 8652 feet, the tunnel has been constructed at a cost of Rs 2,717 crore. The tunnel stretches 12 kilometers, including a 6.4-kilometer tunnel and 5.6-kilometer approach road.

Constructed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the tunnel has state-of-the-art features including a three-lane approach road to optimise traffic management. A parallel escape 7-5 metre tunnel has been reserved for emergencies. It is equipped with an advanced ventilation system and has capacity to cater to 1000 vehicles per hour at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour.

Z-Morh tunnel is also strategically important for access to Ladakh. The route length to Ladakh will be reduced after completion of the Zojila Tunnel by 2028. The route length will be reduced from 49 km to 43 km ensuring seamless connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. This will boost defense logistics, drive economic growth and socio-cultural integration across J&K and Ladakh.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah exuded hope that the Z-Morh tunnel will boost the region’s tourism potential and also position Ganderbal as a premier winter sports destination.

He emphasised that the Z-Morh Tunnel would not only ensure all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg but also supplement Gulmarg as another skiing and winter sports destination, unlocking new avenues for tourism and economic growth.

"Visited Sonamarg today to review preparations for PM @narendramodi ji's visit on Monday. The inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel will open Sonamarg to tourism all year round, Sonamarg will now be developed as a great ski resort. The local population will not have to leave in winter and the travel time to Kargil/Leh from Srinagar will also reduce," Omar wrote on his X handle.
Responding to Omar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, “I am eagerly awaiting my visit to Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir for the tunnel inauguration. You rightly point out the benefits for tourism and the local economy. Also, loved the aerial pictures and videos!

Tourism players believe that the Z-Morh Tunnel will help to improve connectivity between Srinagar and Leh and ensure all-weather access to Sonamarg— enhancing the region's economic and tourism prospects.

Owing to its slopes, Sonamarg has all ingredients for hosting national and international winter sports activities. While Sonamarg caters to huge tourist rush in summer, now it will have to bear additional load in winter. This will definitely help to reduce the massive burden on the world famous ski-resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

It has been observed that unregulated tourism is taking a heavy toll on its fragile eco-system. During the last several years, Gulmarg has been witnessing drastic environmental changes due to manifold increase in visitors above its carrying capacity. Increasing number of visitors and vehicles to Gulmarg triggers rise in temperature causing rapid snow melt off and avalanches in winter. This problem is evident in other tourist destinations including Pahalgam and Doodhpathri.

While Sonamarg is developed as all-year destination, government must take utmost care to ensure visitors as per the resort’s carrying capacity. While it is the need of the hour to provide advanced facilities in our tourist resorts, it is also mandatory to take care of eco-system. Authorities need to upgrade solid waste and sewage disposal management in Sonamarg and other tourist resorts.

Blanket ban on use of polythene and non-biodegradable plastic products must be enforced in tourist destinations to prevent pollution of forests and streams.
Sonamarg is ecologically important as it houses Thajiwas Glacier, which is one of the major sources of Sindh river. As per studies, there has been a 34 percent recession of Thajiwas Glacier since 1992. It is necessary to create eco-sensitive zones in Sonamarg to minimise damage to the environment.  As limelight is on Sonamarg, government must also take measures to promote offbeat tourist destinations like Gurez,  Bangus, Karnah, Daksum, Watlab, Lolab, Sinthan top, Kangan. These places can be developed as eco-tourism spots. This can reduce pressure on major tourist destinations.

Undoubtedly we need development in the form of roads, tunnels and railway tracks to facilitate the growing number of tourists. After all, tourism is the mainstay of J&K’s economy. All we have to do is to ensure sustainable development. This will only happen when we equally care for the environment. It is the natural beauty of tourist destinations which attracts tourists. Let’s promote Sonamarg as a green destination.

Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir