Govt Stops Fresh Registrations in Gulmarg Citing Capacity Crunch | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has halted fresh registrations for ponywallas, sledge pullers, and tourist guides in Gulmarg, citing “carrying capacity constraints” at the popular hill resort, with over 1,400 applications lying pending, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Wednesday.

In a written reply to Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone, the Tourism Department stated that the pendency is a result of a conscious policy decision to ensure environmental sustainability and protect the livelihoods of existing stakeholders, rather than administrative delays. Officials stated that the existing number of registered stakeholders is currently deemed adequate for the tourist inflow.

According to the government, out of 984 applications received for tourist guides, none have been approved, leaving all 984 pending against an existing cadre of 930 registered guides. Similarly, registrations for 37 ponywalla applicants, 38 sledge puller applicants, and 14 dandi (labour) applicants have been put on hold. The existing registered numbers in these categories stand at 1,771, 1,199, and 400 respectively.

The government, however, said registrations for hawkers and photographers are being granted in a phased manner. Out of 790 applications received, 366 have been approved while 424 remain pending.

On adventure sports, the department informed the House that out of 160 applications received for operating snow mobiles, 130 have been processed and disposed of.

The government also outlined infrastructure plans for the tourist destination, stating that a Rs 46.50 crore Sewage Treatment Plant project has been approved, with work proposed to commence in the financial year 2026-27. It added that the Detailed Project Report for a Solid Waste Treatment Plant is currently under preparation. (KNS)