Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday advocated the introduction of artificial snow generation systems in Gulmarg, saying the move was essential to safeguard winter sports and sustain tourism in the face of changing snowfall patterns.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)-2026, the Chief Minister said climate variability was posing serious challenges to traditional winter games in the region. He welcomed athletes and officials, underlining the need to adapt infrastructure planning to evolving weather conditions.
“The recent snowfall patterns have become unpredictable which force the authorities to rethink long-term planning for winter sports infrastructure,” the CM said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Gulmarg into an international skiing destination and ensuring uninterrupted sporting activities despite climate-related disruptions.
“Reliance solely on natural snowfall is no longer sustainable. There is a need for the introduction of artificial snow generation systems to secure the future of winter games,” CM Omar said.
Acknowledging concerns surrounding artificial snow projects, he maintained that such steps were necessary to prevent setbacks to tourism and allied sectors.
“Such an initiative will also protect the livelihoods linked to winter tourism. Time has come for us to move towards artificial snow generation. I understand concerns about water and electricity usage, but if we do not create this infrastructure, a day may come when we will not even be able to ski in Gulmarg, and that would be truly unfortunate,” the CM said.
Highlighting the economic dependence of locals on winter tourism, he said several stakeholders directly rely on seasonal snowfall.
“People associated with tourism like sledge operators, ski guides, ski instructors, ATV drivers, all make their living from this snow,” CM Omar said.
“It is our duty to provide the means and infrastructure that promote tourism and ensure its sustenance,” he added.
The Chief Minister said the administration would provide all possible support to athletes and upgrade sports infrastructure to groom more international-level competitors from Jammu and Kashmir. He congratulated skier Arif Khan for his achievements and expressed hope that more sportspersons would rise through such events.
He also stressed that participation in sports was as significant as winning medals.
“Sustained investment in winter sports and tourism will position Gulmarg among leading global skiing destinations while ensuring economic stability for local communities,” CM Omar said.
Later, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, he asserted that artificial snow generation had become inevitable.
“No matter how many winter games there are, they are not possible without artificial snow. Yesterday, in Italy the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics was held and without artificial snow, these Olympics would not have been possible,” the CM said.
He added that similar facilities must be created in Gulmarg.
“It has to be done in both ways- one is for sports, so that one day, we are also in a medal position there and secondly, for tourism,” CM Omar said.
