Aaqib Khan
Gulmarg, Feb 23 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the schedule of the Khelo India Winter Games should be aligned with actual snowfall conditions, asserting that the government will move towards artificial snow generation to ensure Gulmarg remains a viable international ski destination.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, Abdullah welcomed athletes to the “valley of flowers” but noted the unseasonal heat and bright sunshine had made skiing conditions difficult.
“When we saw heavy snow here a few weeks ago, we did not imagine that by the time the Games begin, there would be such heat. We will have to bring changes in our planning,” he said.
Referring to recent winter sporting events abroad, Abdullah said he watched the Winter Olympics coverage from Cortina in Italy and congratulated Indian skier Arif Khan for representing the country on the global stage.
He expressed hope that the ongoing Games would produce more athletes like Khan. “Despite our large population, we have not won a medal in the Asian Winter Games or the Winter Olympics so far. Participation is there, but we need better results,” he said.
The chief minister said it was the responsibility of the government to provide world-class infrastructure, facilities and coaching so that athletes can compete internationally.
Abdullah said the administration is committed to developing Gulmarg as an international ski destination but cautioned against depending entirely on natural snowfall.
“We decide the dates of the Games at the beginning of the year without knowing whether there will be snow or what kind of snow it will be. I would request the organisers not to fix dates in advance, but to hold the Games 10 or 15 days after adequate snowfall so that proper conditions are available,” he said.
He said the government would have to invest in artificial snow generation despite concerns over water and electricity usage.
“If we do not create such infrastructure, one day we may not be able to ski in Gulmarg. That would be unfortunate,” he said.
Abdullah added that thousands of people associated with tourism — including ski instructors, guides, sledgers and ATV operators — depend on snow for their livelihood, and sustained development of winter sports would also support the local economy.
He thanked the athletes for participating and wished them success, saying participation itself was significant.(KNS).
