Srinagar, May 26 (KNO): The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) on Tuesday appreciated the Jammu and Kashmir administration and multiple agencies for the swift and coordinated rescue of over 300 tourists stranded in the Gulmarg Gondola after a technical snag halted operations mid-air.
KCC&I President Javid Ahmad Tenga said the seven-hour evacuation reflected strong emergency preparedness and effective inter-agency coordination, reinforcing confidence in Kashmir as a safe tourism destination.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the chamber said the successful evacuation highlighted the preparedness, efficiency, and commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir administration in safeguarding visitors and managing emergencies at key tourist destinations.
Tenga said the operation underscored the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, J&K Police, the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, district administration and the Tourism Department, whose timely intervention ensured the safe evacuation of all stranded passengers.
He also appreciated the on-ground presence of senior officials, police leadership, and ministers who supervised rescue efforts and ensured smooth coordination during the emergency.
“The successful rescue operation reflects the administration’s preparedness and reinforces confidence in Kashmir as a safe and responsible tourism destination,” Tenga said.
He added that tourism remains the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, stressing the need for continuous technical assessments and preventive measures to strengthen safety standards across tourism infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)