Govt to re-establish Gulmarg as world-class golf destination, considering to form JK Golf Development Authority: CM Omar Abdullah

STC NEWS DESK
GULMARG, JUNE 24 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir government is contemplating to re-establish and market Gulmarg as a premier global golf destination across the world. The Chief Minister also revealed that the government is actively considering the establishment of a Jammu and Kashmir Golf Development Authority to manage and maintain all major golf courses across the Union Territory, including Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and venues like Sidhra in Jammu.
“We need dedicated synergy and professional upkeep of our greens and fairways. There should be a clear distinction between fairways and roughs,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was speaking today at an award ceremony for golfers and hoteliers at the Gulmarg Golf Championship. He expressed his government’s resolve to lay focused attention on golfing infrastructure, international-level tournaments and tourism-friendly facilities in Gulmarg.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said, “Special attention will be given to it and the necessary investment is justified given the economic and tourism potential of Gulmarg. These are high-spending tourists who don’t just play golf—they stay in hotels, go sightseeing, and shop. It’s about creating a holistic experience that brings them back year after year.”
He recalled the past glory of Gulmarg Golf Course, once a favourite among India’s top golfers. “The names of the most iconic professional and amateur golfers still adorn the walls of the Gulmarg Club. Sadly, the decline in the situation led to the neglect. But we are determined to bring it back,” he said.
Commending his father and former CM Dr. Farooq Abdullah—a passionate golfer and someone who has built the golf infrastructure in J&K, he said that he would love to do something good for this sport.
The Chief Minister also commended MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, the driving force behind the tournament, expressing hope that such initiatives will become a recurring feature in Gulmarg’s tourism calendar.
Later, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a 726-meter ski drag lift at Kongdoori, to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹6.84 crore. He also laid the foundation for the development and beautification of the water body, popularly known as Seven Springs at Kongdoori, with the project costing ₹50 lakh.
Earlier in the day, CM Omar Abdullah inspected the newly constructed Gulmarg Convention Center, describing it as a “magnificent property” with an auditorium, meeting halls, guest rooms, and dining spaces.
Besides, he floated the idea of introducing evening leisure options such as cinema screenings, coffee shops, and restaurants to make Gulmarg an “all-encompassing destination.”
The Chief Minister also flagged off the Cyclothon, encouraging youth participation in sports and promoting eco-friendly tourism across the Valley.
Notably, the Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani; MLAs Farooq Ahmad Shah, Javed Riyaz Bedar, Mubarak Gul, and Tanveer Sadiq and other senior officers.
(STC)