Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, June 27: As the second wave of the COVID pandemic is waning, tourists have started trickling into the famous tourist resort of Gulmarg amid strict adherence to SOPs.
With the Government giving green signal to the tourists visiting the Valley, the numbers have been gradually increasing and the stakeholders are expecting a good summer if the infection continues to decline.
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After remaining deserted for last three months, the tourist footfall is slowly picking up in Gulmarg that was missing the usual abuzz because of Corona curfew. The tourist arrivals have not only brought back the lost charm to the hill station but filled the stakeholders with hope. On Sunday, both local and domestic tourists visited the place in good numbers. While some tourists were enjoying horse and mountain bike rides on the meadows, others were waiting outside the ticket counter for Gandola ride.
Sandeep Khanna, a tourist from Delhi, told Excelsior that Kashmir is the best place to fight the stress caused by the pandemic in last two years. “I feel the beautiful surroundings are soaking all my stress that was caused due to the COVID-19. The situation is superb here,” he said, adding he was happy to see people adhering to COVID protocols.
Another tourist, Deepak Agarwal, was happy with the arrangements that were being put in place in view of the pandemic. “I am moving out of my home after a year and am enjoying. I am happy that people are taking precaution here. This is a fantastic place. I really feel like in heaven. Weather is good,” he said.
He appealed to people to visit the Valley if they are planning a trip. ”People should follow COVID SOPS whereever they are. But if they are planning a trip, they should visit Kashmir,” he said.
Officials, however, said that the situation is challenging for them and they have taken appropriate measures to tackle it. “This is a challenge for us as we have to take care of the safety of our staff and tourists. We have given directions that COVID-19 protocols should be followed in letter and spirit,” Majid Khalil Drabu, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation told Excelsior.
He added they have vaccinated all the employees and sensitised them about COVID appropriate behavior. “The cabins are properly sanitized and run with 50% capacity. Social distancing and masks are compulsory. Without masks no tickets will be issued,” he said.
Drabu said the tourist footfall is gradually increasing. “Our tourism promotion cell is tirelessly working outside. We are also in contact with the tour and travel operators to bring as many tourists as possible here. We are expecting a good tourist season if COVID remains under control,” he said.
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