Gulmarg to get Rs 46.50 Cr STP, registrations regulated for sustainability: CM Omar

Jammu, Apr 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that the Gulmarg Development Authority is actively strengthening sanitation and waste management infrastructure in the area. He said that a 2 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) project, costing Rs 46.50 crore, has been approved and its execution is proposed to commence in the financial year 2026–27.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Kreeri-Wagoora, the Chief Minister stated that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Solid Waste Treatment Plant (SWTP) is currently under preparation by the Mechanical and R&B Departments for subsequent approval and execution.

Addressing another query regarding the pendency of registration of pony walas, guides, sledge pullers, photographers and others, the Chief Minister clarified that the delay is not due to administrative reasons. He said it is a deliberate policy decision aimed at maintaining carrying capacity, ensuring environmental sustainability, preventing overcrowding and congestion, and promoting orderly and sustainable tourism development in Gulmarg.

The Chief Minister further informed that ATVs and snow bikes in Jammu & Kashmir are primarily procured by beneficiaries through bank-linked self-employment schemes and entrepreneurship programmes. “The Tourism Department facilitates their registration and grants operational permissions,” he added.

MLA Gulmarg, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, raised a supplementary on the occasion.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the Tourism Department is taking steps to strengthen training, registration and regulatory mechanisms for tourism stakeholders to ensure safety, quality and responsible tourism practices across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister was replying to a question raised by MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq during the Question Hour of the ongoing Budget Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly.

He informed the House that licensing and registration of tourism stakeholders are already regulated under the relevant laws. However, he added that no specific proposal for mandatory rating or certification of all stakeholders is presently under consideration.

Highlighting the importance of service standards, the Chief Minister said that visitor experience, behaviour of service providers and hospitality standards are crucial for the growth and sustainability of a successful tourism economy. He noted that harassment, overcharging or unprofessional conduct can adversely impact the image of a tourist destination.

Responding to a query regarding decline in tourist inflow due to such issues, he said that no such instance has been reported in the Tourism Department where tourist inflow suffered on account of harassment, overcharging or poor behaviour by stakeholders. “However, isolated complaints have been reported and are being addressed as per rules,” he added.