CM Inaugurates World’s Highest Rotating Restaurant in Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah on Saturday said technological intervention is essential to revive skiing in Gulmarg, even as he inaugurated multiple high-altitude tourism projects, including the world’s highest rotating restaurant and a rotating conference hall at Affarwat.

Speaking at a curtain-raiser function organised by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India at the Convention Centre in Gulmarg, Omar Abdullah said it was impossible to speak about adventure tourism in India without mentioning Kashmir, which has vast potential for mountaineering, trekking, rafting and skiing.

He said Gulmarg once offered skiing opportunities when few other destinations in the country did, but expressed concern over its declining prominence. “There was a time when we had snow here for months. Now, even Gulmarg faces dry spells. We must introduce technological interventions such as artificial snow generation, as is done in Europe,” he said, urging stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions to ensure year-round tourism.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated several tourism infrastructure projects under the aegis of the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation and the Department of Tourism. Among the key attractions inaugurated were the world’s highest revolving restaurant, a multi-purpose hall and a rotating conference hall at Affarwat along the Gulmarg Gondola route. Officials said the facilities are aimed at enhancing visitor experience and strengthening tourism infrastructure at higher reaches.

Omar Abdullah said efforts are underway to improve skiing facilities, including ski drag infrastructure, as part of the first phase of development. He stressed that the focus should remain on generating employment opportunities for local stakeholders and making skiing viable even beyond the winter season.

Referring to a tourism revival project worth hundreds of crores, the Chief Minister said the initiative is aimed at restoring confidence among tour operators and allied sectors. He emphasised that while the government’s role is limited to developing and maintaining infrastructure, the revival of tourism requires collective efforts from private players and the local community.

Reiterating his recent remarks made in Pahalgam, Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of hospitality in sustaining tourism. “Our success will be when tourists return home with happiness and fond memories,” he said.

Commenting on the closure of certain tourist destinations, the Chief Minister said decisions regarding reopening lie beyond the government’s mandate. He added that the present situation is far better than in the past and stressed the need to reopen tourist spots to restore normalcy and boost visitor inflow.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, legislator Tanveer Sadiq, and Chief Executive Officer Gulmarg Development Authority Syed Umar Sajad, along with senior officials from the tourism and cable car departments. (KNO)