Recently, there was a proposal to make artificial snow and facilitate early skiing in Gulmarg, a step that is all set to go with promises to increase tourism and the length of skiing.
Gulmarg is usually said to be ‘the heart of winter sports in India’, a gemstone set in the crown of Kashmir’s tourism. The pure slopes, the powder snow, and the awe-striking landscapes lure thousands of skiers and tourists every year.
In the recent past, however, the area has been under the influence of vagaries of nature, with the cause for great concern being late snowfalls and shrinking winters. In a tourism-dependent region, such uncertainty poses a real threat to livelihoods and the local economy.
With the installation of snowmakers, Gulmarg can open its slopes early and pull in tourists during a period that normally sees little traffic. This artificial snow can potentially provide a lifeline for the local economy, with businesses, hotels, and ski operators that have taken a hit because of unpredictable snowfall.
It could, further, set up Gulmarg as a much better place to stage any international skiing competitions and make it appear more on the wider global map.
Additionally, the proposal has to be considerate of the local communities. Tourism is a viable income earner, but decisions on proposals made for the communities must be given priority and attention to the residents’ needs, priorities, and concerns.
Besides artificial snow-making, it’s high time that we looked into various other options as well. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting tourism in the off-season, and diversifying the tourism product offerings in the region may provide a more sustainable route ahead for the region.
Besides, the issue of climate change must be put at the forefront of the global agenda, for this environmental crisis is at the heart of the current problems regarding snowfall in Gulmarg.
While the intentions behind the artificial snow proposal are good, they require an assessment of high order. What remains to be seen is how the future of Gulmarg would strike a balance between innovation and conservation in the realm of winter sports.
The concerned authorities must ensure that the very essence that makes Gulmarg magical gets a boost in its natural beauty and ecological balance.
