People dependent on the tourism disappointed
Srinagar: Senior National conference leader and former MLA Kangan Mian Altaf Ahmed on Thursday expressed his dissent about the closure of the Sonamarg health resort and said that the government despite its tall claims and assurances has failed to keep Sonamarg open during winter’s so that the place could have been promoted on tourism map besides the local people of Kangan to Sarbal who are dependent on the tourism sector here could have earned their livelihood.
In a statement issued, Mian Altaf said that the government including the administration, tourism and other departments had assured that the Sonamarg will be kept open during winter months so that the visitors coming from different parts of the country can visit the place.
He said that after the snowfall on Wednesday the Sonamarg was cut off with no road access and any basic facilities like electricity and water.
Many tourists who had come to visit Sonamarg had to return back disppointed, adding that it has also affected the livelihood of hundreds of locals who are dependent on the tourism sector here and work as labourers, sledge riders, ponywalas besides shopkeepers and hoteliers.
Mian Altaf also said that the government had also assured and announced that the escape tunnel of z morh tunnel at Shitkari sonamarg will be used during winter months to keep Sonamarg open during winter’s and heavy snowfall however that too hasn’t been done.
Mian Altaf urged the government to gear up and ensure the connectivity to Sonamarg and make arrangements for providing all the required facilities for people here.
Mian Altaf urged the Secretary Tourism, Director Tourism, Deputy commissioner Ganderbal and Sonamarg Development Authority to take necessary steps in this regard.