Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said at the inauguration ceremony of the sixth edition of Khelo India Winter Games that global warming and climate change Season Due to this, it has now become necessary to make arrangements for making artificial snow to save winter sports and tourism in Gulmarg. The ceremony was formally inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The Chief Minister said that we decide the dates of the games at the beginning of the year, without knowing when or how much snowfall will occur. He appealed to the organizers that the dates should not be decided in advance but the decision to hold the games should be taken 10 to 15 days after good snowfall. He said that a few weeks ago it was very cold in Gulmarg but when the games started, it was so hot that skiing became difficult.
Investment in artificial snow is necessary
Emphasizing the need for long-term infrastructure, the Chief Minister said that now we will have to move forward in the direction of making artificial snow. He acknowledged that there are concerns regarding the use of water and electricity, but also said that if this infrastructure is not created, there may come a day when even skiing in Gulmarg will not be possible.
Gulmarg will be made an international skiing resort
Reiterating his government’s promise, the Chief Minister said that it is his best effort to develop Gulmarg as an international skiing resort. He said that this will not only strengthen sports but will also provide economic security to all the people associated with tourism.
Congratulations to Arif Khan, hope for a new champion
The Chief Minister congratulated skier Arif Khan, who represented India in the Winter Olympics held in Cortina, Italy. He expressed hope that a new Arif Khan will emerge from this edition of Khelo India Winter Games. He also regretted that despite having such a large population, India has not yet won any medal in the Asian Winter Games or the Olympic Winter Games.