Qaiser Dar
Gulmarg 6 February (KNB): As the Internationally recognised Winter Festival’s main event is going to be held at Gulmarg, the only road connectivity of the world famous tourist resort–Tangmarg to Gulmarg road– remains uncleared of the snow causing difficulties for tourists as well as locals in reaching to the function.
The snow accumulated on the said road gets frozen due to sub zero temperatures here, which makes it unimaginably difficult to drive a vehicle on it and if tried so, will be no less then putting ones life in jeopardy.
Traveling in a private vehicle, several winter games enthusiasts faced the consequences of snow accumulation and slippery conditions during late hours on February 5th, a day before the Main Event.
Talking to Kashmir News Bureau, one of the travellers said, “As we were heading towards Gulmarg, it was shocking to see that there is still snow accumulated on the road, which made it really difficult to control the movement of our vehicle.”
“Winter games are taking place, a massive event has been organised here as well but the snow is yet to be cleared from the main roads is really disappointing,” he said, adding that travelling by private vehicles towards the world famous tourist resort is quite risky.
Another traveller, who has been visiting Gulmarg almost every year said, “We have to install chains on tyres of our vehicle, which costs quite some money, in order to reach the destination safely.”
“It shouldn’t be so, since it is not a long stretch and snow can be cleared if not by snow mower/blower but at least with the help of salt, which can surely help in melting it,” he said, adding that it is not a big deal for the administration but wonder why nobody assures the proper removal of it.
A regular visiting tourist told KNB that Gulmarg is mesmerizing but there are few issues like snow accumulation on the connecting roads, which shouldn’t be there.
“I have travelled to several places across the world where heavy snowfall isn’t a rare phenomenon and snow clearance from the roads is done on regular basis. Gulmarg is beautiful, stunning and to admire it, one has to be able to reach here safely which becomes an issue since the snow clearance is not being done properly,” she said, adding that authority should certainly look into it and assure convenience for the visitors of the heavenly place.
Pertinently, several Bollywood stars including Arbaaz Khan and Vidya Balan will be present at the Winter Festival, which is organised by Indian Army. (KNB)