SRINAGAR, Sept 22: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday outlined the Government’s plans to diversify tourism across the Union Territory, while also stating that the possibility of extending or reintroducing the power amnesty scheme is being examined on merit.
Speaking in the ongoing Autumn Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Omar said every tourist destination cannot be developed on the model of Gulmarg, stressing that infrastructure should be planned according to the unique character and potential of each destination.
“We can’t make every tourist destination Gulmarg, and build gondolas at every destination. Every tourist destination has its unique and separate attraction,” the Chief Minister said.
On the proposed Doodhpathri Gondola/Cable Car project, Omar said the proposal is under consideration and would be taken up subject to approval, completion of required formalities and availability of funds.
He said Doodhpathri has already seen development in winter tourism, with skiing introduced in 2023 and a drag lift becoming operational in 2026. The Government is also working on visitor facilities, including wayside amenities and parking infrastructure.
The Government has identified State land at five locations along the Arigam–Reyar Ich stretch for wayside facilities, with administrative approval granted for works estimated at ₹50 lakh. A larger tourist transit hub and parking facility is also proposed near Kralpathri, with a Detailed Project Report estimated at ₹75 crore submitted under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
On tourism development in Jammu Division, Omar said the Government is focusing on new destinations, tourism circuits and year-round promotion, covering pilgrimage, heritage, adventure, eco, nature, rural, cultural, wellness and leisure tourism.
Destinations including Suchetgarh, Shiv Khori, Sudhmahadev, Patnitop, Basholi, Bhaderwah, Mansar, Baradari and Kesari Hills are among those where development interventions have been undertaken or initiated.
The Government is also promoting dedicated pilgrimage circuits, including Mansar, Shiv Khori, Utterbehni, Purmandal and Sukrala, with several works currently under implementation.
Omar said the Tourism Department has undertaken promotional activities at national and international tourism events and is seeking to expand tourism beyond established centres so that economic benefits reach newer destinations and local communities.
Power Amnesty Scheme Under Examination
On the power amnesty scheme, Omar said the Government is examining the possibility of reintroducing or extending the scheme, while cautioning against repeated waivers of electricity dues.
He said frequent amnesty schemes could discourage timely payment by consumers and be unfair to those who regularly clear their bills.
However, the Chief Minister said the Government could consider relief for people living below the poverty line and other underprivileged consumers on a case-by-case basis.
The discussions took place during the ongoing Autumn Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, where several issues concerning tourism, infrastructure, power and public services are being raised by legislators.
