Gulmarg: Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister Satish Sharma on Wednesday defended the use of artificial snow for winter sports, countering BJP criticism by saying the practice aligns with global standards and is essential for hosting high-level competitions.
Minister Sharma said artificial snow is widely used at leading winter sports destinations worldwide to ensure consistency amid changing weather patterns.
With reduced natural snowfall, he said, technological support had become necessary to sustain events such as the Khelo India Winter Games.
“Artificial snow is a global practice and vital for winter sports success,” the minister said, adding that criticism reflected a lack of understanding of modern sports infrastructure and climate challenges.
He said the government was committed to developing Jammu and Kashmir as a major winter tourism and sports hub, asserting that such initiatives would boost tourism, generate employment and strengthen the local economy—(KNO)