Ganderbal, Jul 11 (KNO): Sonamarg, one of Jammu and Kashmir's most scenic hill stations, has recorded nearly 3.92 lakh tourist arrivals, including around 8,000 foreign tourists, since January this year, emerging as a year-round destination following the operationalisation of the Z-Morh tunnel, officials said.
Bilal Mukhtar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the destination has witnessed an upward jump of nearly 35 to 40 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals. "Ever since the tunnel became operational, Sonamarg has remained open throughout all twelve months of the year. As of now, from January till today, we have recorded nearly 392,000 tourist arrivals, including around 8,000 foreign tourists," he said.
Mukhtar said Sonamarg has also become a transit point for Ladakh, with foreign tourists travelling to or returning from the Union Territory usually spending at least one night in the destination.
He said several infrastructure projects are in the pipeline to further enhance tourist facilities. Work is underway on an ornamental see-through fencing project, while the Children's Park has been completed and only equipment installation remains. Repair and renovation of tourism assets are also underway under the Capex scheme.
For larger projects, Mukhtar said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Sindh View Eco-Tourism Park has been submitted, while Phase I of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has been completed. The DPR for Phase-II, costing around Rs 11.5 crore, is almost ready. "Once this project is executed, all sewage generated by hotels in Sonamarg will be treated at this plant," he said.
The CEO said tourist numbers saw a significant increase during May and June, adding that though arrivals are comparatively lower in July, hotel bookings remain satisfactory. "We are receiving positive feedback from tourists, who leave Sonamarg happy with their experience," he said.
On pony tracks, Mukhtar said two official routes have been designated—one through Shadgari and the other from the Old Truck Yard—to replace the earlier haphazard system. "We conducted a field survey and found these tracks are the most suitable. Although they may appear rocky, horses require such a surface for better grip. If paved with cement, they will become slippery, especially during winter," he said.
He said a zipline near the Youth Hostel is already functional, while construction of another zipline is underway at Shadgari. "Besides this, we are also exploring other adventure tourism projects such as paragliding, which may be introduced very soon," he said, adding that greater emphasis is being placed on winter tourism activities to attract more adventure and winter sports tourists.
On parking concerns, the CEO SDA said adequate parking is available at the New Truck Yard. "If any vehicle remains parked on the roadside for an extended period, we regularly write to the Tourist Police requesting action. The Traffic Police also issue challans," he said.
Mukhtar said that tourism cannot be managed by a single department or stakeholder. "It requires the collective effort of everyone—pony operators, hoteliers, traders, the media, and all other stakeholders. Our central focus is the tourist. We must ensure that every visitor enjoys a positive environment, leaves with good memories, and becomes an ambassador for Sonamarg," he said—(KNO)