CM sounds alarm over climate change

Srinagar, Dec 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said climate change and global warming were real and pressing challenges, stressing the need for urgent and collective action to conserve the environment for future generations.

Addressing the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), CM Omar said Jammu and Kashmir was witnessing visible impacts of climate change, including receding glaciers and reduced, delayed snowfall.

“Climate change and global warming are real issues which must be talked about seriously. We need to take concrete steps to conserve our environment for posterity,” he said, warning that iconic destinations like Gulmarg could lose their appeal if snowfall patterns continue to decline. “We will not be able to showcase Gulmarg without snow, and our glaciers are already receding at an alarming rate.”

Highlighting the challenges faced by winter tourism, the CM stressed introducing artificial snow-making facilities in Gulmarg to enable early commencement of skiing and to prolong the skiing calendar.

He said such measures would help mitigate the effects of climate change and sustain Gulmarg’s position as a premier skiing destination.

Lauding ATOAI for choosing Srinagar as the venue for its annual convention, CM Omar said J&K has historically been a pioneer in adventure tourism, particularly in skiing, mountaineering and trekking, with global recognition.

He emphasised that integration of modern technology was crucial to unlocking the full potential of adventure tourism in the region.

“Responsible, safe, sustainable and resilient adventure tourism should be our focus,” the CM said, appreciating ATOAI’s role in promoting best practices across the sector.

He said the government was taking all necessary measures to ensure sustained growth of the tourism sector despite challenges faced during the current season.

CM Omar also thanked the Union Tourism Minister for continued support to J&K’s tourism industry.

Referring to diversification of adventure tourism, he said activities such as white-water rafting, mountaineering, trekking, paragliding, and rock climbing offered immense potential. However, the CM cautioned operators to strictly adhere to safety standards and use high-quality equipment to ensure visitor safety and confidence.

“Adventure tourism opens new avenues for tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Partnering with ATOAI will help us develop this sector in a structured and safe manner,” he said. During the inaugural ceremony, the CM also launched the Jammu and Kashmir Adventure Tourism Roadmap and Toolkit and presented ATOAI Awards to achievers in the field of adventure tourism. He also inaugurated the Adventure Tourism Exhibition at SKICC, inspected stalls put up by various states, and participated in a hot air balloon ride as a symbolic push to promote diverse adventure tourism activities.

On the occasion, ATOAI President Ajeet Bajaj presented a special souvenir – a stone collected from the summit of Mount Everest – to the Chief Minister.

The four-day national convention, being held from December 17 to 20, aims to position Jammu and Kashmir as a leading global destination for adventure tourism.

The event witnessed participation from key stakeholders, including Advisor to the CM, Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Additional Secretary and Director General Tourism, Government of India, Suman Billa, GoC 31 Sub Area, Major General Abhijit Mitra; ATOAI President, Ajeet Bajaj; Head J&K Chapter, ATOAI, Rauf Tramboo; Director Tourism, Kashmir, Qamar Sajad; Director Tourism, Jammu, Vikas Gupta, and senior civil and Police officials.