Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 22: Minister for Tourism & Culture, G. A. Mir today reviewed the preparations being made for winter sports activities at world ski resort of Gulmarg.
While reviewing the preparations, the Minister directed that men and machinery be kept ready to ensure that route to Gulmarg is kept open and any deficiency in this regard should be addressed immediately. He said adequate staff should also be maintained for ski patrolling and snow safety officers be placed.
Mr. Mir asked Cable Car Corporation to gear up its ski lifting operations besides directing for procurement of snow mobiles and spare parts. He also called for procurement of snow making machines in order to extend the winter sports season in Gulmarg.
Mr. Mir said that helicopters used for heli-skiing could also be utilized during rescue operations besides expert help from HAWS should also be sought. He also stressed for devising an efficient waste disposal mechanism and maintaining a clean and healthy environment during the entire sports season.
The Minister announced that Government is also willing to provide incentives to the tune of Rs. 5 to 7 Lakh to any interested private entrepreneur, who wishes to take up ski related activities at Gulmarg and popularizes them. He said that Government endeavours to attract as many as people to participate in various winter sports activities at Gulmarg.
The meeting was informed that winter sports festival will be organized, preferably during the 1st week of February besides the Winter Games Federation of India will also hold a national skiing championship in Gulmarg during this season.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Tourism, Zaffar Ahmed, Director Tourism, Kashmir Talat Parvez, MD JKCCC, Tufail Mattoo, Secretary Winter Sports, Officials from IIS&M, High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), PDD, R&B, GDA.
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