Srinagar: The government of Jammu and Kashmir is setting
itself to buy snow-making machines that would be set up in Kashmir's popular
ski resort of Gulmarg, which is an hour's drive from Srinagar.
This ski resort
of Kashmir remains crowded throughout the winter season. Some experts are saying
that the decision may prove damaging for a place like Gulmarg.
These machines will be fed by huge reservoirs situated at
high altitudes and produce snow by forcing water and pressured air through
cannons. The snow-making machines are used in Europe in addition to the natural
snow when there is shortage of it, as to prolong the skiing season. The
machines are used in indoor ski resorts, where the temperature can be
controlled to produce artificial snow. There are several indoor ski slopes in western
parts of Asia.
"The plan is in process and we are also in constant
touch with the manufacturers,” said Director Tourism Kashmir, Talat Parvez.
"At the initial stage, half a dozen machines will be sufficient.” Tourism
Minister GA Mir said on a press conference that the main motive behind the
installation of machines was to expand the ski season. He expects the machines
to be installed at the end of the year. However, Mir is facing hard opposition
from experts and skiers, who believe that installing the snow guns will
eventually cause the end of ski resort.
A tourism expert who wants his identity to be hidden,
said, "The main cause of opposition is that the machines are expensive and
needs a lot of energy."
Gulmarg is popular across the world for its powder snow
and it has one of world's longest ski runs, which stretches around 18 km. In a
season which ends around March, Gulmarg receives about 2,500 international
skiers and about 4,000 domestic ski enthusiasts. The chief attraction of this
place is its unspoiled natural splendor.
"The installation of snow machines will hamper both
the natural tracks and the quality of snow," the former official said.
"International skiers who agree to spend around Rs 20,000 a day will
certainly feel unwilling to ski on the slopes made out of artificial ice.”
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