Climate Change Threatens Kashmir's Tourism: Omar Abdullah Calls for Sustainable Adventure Tourism Diversification

Srinagar:

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the critical connection between Kashmir's tourism industry and global climate change during his address on Wednesday. He emphasized that climate change's reality can no longer be ignored, particularly as Gulmarg's tourism appeal heavily relies on snowfall.

"If I don't have snow, I can't sell Gulmarg. We're witnessing glaciers receding and snowfall diminishing; these are facts we must confront. The reality of climate change can no longer be ignored," stated the Chief Minister while inaugurating the 17th annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) at Srinagar's Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre.

Abdullah noted that climate change is affecting regions globally, with tangible impacts on Kashmir's tourism sector, especially during winter months when snow-based activities are crucial for visitors.

The Chief Minister advocated for diversification of adventure tourism offerings to transform J&K into a year-round adventure destination rather than relying solely on seasonal attractions.

Abdullah shared that attending the adventure tourism convention felt like a homecoming, reflecting on his personal experiences with adventure activities. He mentioned how experiences ranging from hot air balloon rides to participating in summit expeditions can provide profound feelings of accomplishment.

He encouraged the tourism industry to investigate artificial snow-making technologies and innovative solutions to maintain skiing opportunities and winter tourism viability despite changing climate patterns.

Abdullah acknowledged the challenging year faced by J&K's tourism sector, referencing disruptive events including the Pahalgam attack, adverse weather conditions, and the Delhi blast that affected travel patterns.

"Only tourism industry professionals truly understand the difficulty of recovery following such incidents," he remarked, assuring that his government remains dedicated to supporting operators and ensuring visitors' safety.

He emphasized the importance of expanding adventure tourism options, from paragliding and hot-air ballooning to developing new training programs, positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a comprehensive adventure tourism destination throughout the year.

"Adventure tourism is experiencing rapid global expansion. We want J&K to participate in this worldwide growth story responsibly, safely, and sustainably," Abdullah stated.

Kashmir has been experiencing an extended dry spell for the past two months. However, the Meteorological Department has forecasted encouraging news for holiday travelers, predicting snowfall in higher elevations and rainfall in lower regions between December 21 and 22, potentially enhancing Christmas and New Year celebrations.