DC Baramulla Reviews Winter Readiness, Emphasizes Tourist Safety and Service Regulation in Gulmarg
GULMARG: To ensure a seamless and safe experience for tourists during the upcoming winter season, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Golf Club, Gulmarg. The meeting focused on winter preparedness, service regulation, infrastructure readiness, and coordination among departments and stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by SDM Gulmarg, CEO GDA, RTO Baramulla, DySP Traffic, and officers from R&B, Municipal Committees, PDD, PHE, Cable Car Corporation, besides representatives from various local associations.
DC Sherpa directed the concerned departments to regulate service pricing in consultation with all associations. The approved rates will be displayed prominently through hoardings at key locations to ensure transparency and public awareness.
He instructed that 4×4 vehicles, snow chains, and e-rickshaws be made operational by December 1, while restricting the movement of non-SUVs, two-wheelers, and heavy motor vehicles during winter to ensure public safety.
The R&B and Municipal Committees were directed to complete all pending works from the previous season by the end of November, while the PDD was asked to finish tree trimming along the 33 KV line and ensure all streetlights are functional before snowfall.
The DC emphasized the installation of CCTV cameras and signages in peripheral areas and ski slopes, to be executed jointly by the Cable Car Corporation and Police. It was also decided that only ATVs will be permitted up to Drung.
Measures for salting icy roads, maintaining water supply through 4×4 tankers, and ensuring regular water quality testing in all hotels were discussed. The creation of a waiting hall and holding area near the Cable Car base station was also prioritized.
The DC directed strict enforcement of the Non-Biodegradable Act and ordered a special drive against single-use plastic. Additional sanitation measures, including deployment of recovery vans along GT Road, will be implemented to maintain cleanliness.
He further instructed the identification of land for multi-level parking at Tangmarg and establishment of temporary parking zones. Adequate traffic personnel will be deployed within the Gulmarg bowl, and crash barriers will be repaired jointly by the RTO and Traffic Police.
To strengthen coordination, joint control rooms at Gulmarg and Tangmarg will be set up for efficient winter response. The DC also emphasized timely booking of departmental huts for training and tourism-related programs.
Concluding the meeting, DC Sherpa urged all departments to work in close coordination to ensure smooth operations and provide an enhanced, safe, and memorable experience for tourists visiting Gulmarg this winter.
