Srinagar, Oct 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced plans to develop Sonamarg as a year-round destination for adventure sports, with the government preparing projects for winter activities such as skiing and skating and summer attractions including river rafting.
The government is also working to develop eco-tourism destinations in Tragbal and Mohanmarg in Ganderbal district. Abdullah said the projects would be taken forward after obtaining the necessary clearances from the concerned authorities, including the departments responsible for forests, the environment and wildlife.
Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, the Chief Minister said Sonamarg had only recently begun to emerge as a winter tourism destination. Improved connectivity following the construction of a tunnel has enabled the popular tourist location to remain accessible throughout the year, opening up opportunities to expand tourism beyond the traditional summer season.
“It has barely been a year since Sonamarg began to be recognised as a winter destination. Earlier, Sonamarg used to remain closed during winter, and people could not reach it. Now, with the tunnel in place, Sonamarg remains open to tourists for all 12 months. We are preparing projects for new locations and winter sports,” Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister was visiting his Assembly constituency of Ganderbal, where he inaugurated the 70th National School Games and reviewed ongoing development works in the district.
Abdullah said he intended to work closely with Mian Mehar Ali, the MLA from Kangan, to establish Sonamarg more firmly on the tourism and adventure sports map. The proposed activities would include rafting during the summer and skiing and skating in winter, helping attract visitors across different seasons.
“My effort and desire are to work together with Mian Mehar Ali to firmly establish Sonamarg on the tourism and adventure sports map, with rafting in summer and skiing and skating in winter. Projects are currently being prepared for this purpose,” he said.
Responding to questions about delays in the proposed eco-tourism projects at Tragbal and Mohanmarg, Abdullah said such initiatives sometimes required additional time because of the clearances involved. He emphasised that the government would follow the prescribed procedures and secure all necessary approvals before proceeding with development.
“We will obtain all the required clearances by following due process and develop these new destinations,” he said.
The Chief Minister also addressed the issue of land acquired for the Central University of Kashmir. He said the government would honour the procedure followed during the acquisition and implement the terms agreed upon with the landowners.
“Whatever written agreement was reached with the landowners and whatever conditions were recorded in the documents will be implemented,” Abdullah said.
Reviewing development in Ganderbal over the past two years, Abdullah said the administration was working to accelerate projects across various sectors and improve the delivery of public services.
He said projects worth approximately Rs 60 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid during the visit. These included a major bridge over the Jhelum River, estimated to cost Rs 40 crore, on which construction work is underway.
Several road projects, a school building and an auction shed at the Zazna fruit and vegetable market were also inaugurated, according to the Chief Minister.
Abdullah said his principal objective during the visit was to attend the National School Games being held at the College of Physical Education in Ganderbal. Participants from different parts of the country have gathered for the competition, with Jammu and Kashmir entrusted with hosting events in Wushu and Taekwondo.
“Boys and girls from every corner of the country have come here to participate. We were entrusted with the responsibility of hosting two sports—Wushu and Taekwondo. Our children have a keen interest in both disciplines, and we hope the sporting event will be a great success,” he said.
The proposed tourism initiatives form part of the government's broader effort to strengthen Ganderbal's tourism potential, create opportunities for adventure sports and expand economic activity throughout the year. Their implementation will depend on the preparation of project plans and the completion of the required regulatory approvals.
