Sarmad Hafeez reviews arrangements for winter festivals, events

SRINAGAR: Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Sarmad Hafeez today reviewed the arrangements for the festivals and events being organized by the Department during the coming winter months.

Chairing a high level meeting of officers here today in this regard, the Secretary Tourism impressed upon the officers to put in place plans and concepts for organizing events like World Mountain Day, Christmas, New Year and other snow activities like creation of Ice Parks and Skating Rinks in the coming months.

Sarmad Hafeez asked the Sonamarg Development Authority to identify spots for setting up a skating rink and Ice Park to be developed there. He said the Government this year has planned to keep the destination open during winter months to cater to the rush of tourists coming to visit the UT.

The Tourism Secretary also asked the experts from Institute of Music & Fine Arts to develop a concept plan for developing an Ice Park at Gulmarg and Sonamarg so that the tourists visiting during winters have a different experience to feel.

Principal, Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Pahalgam, Mr. Thapa informed the meeting that his institute has planned around six skiing courses at Sonamarg for which preparations are currently on.

The meeting was attended by Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo, Chief Executive Officers of Sonamarg & Gulmarg Development Authorities, Joint Director, Tourism Kashmir, Principal, Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Pahalgam, senior officers of Tourism Department, experts from Institute of Music & Fine Arts and other officers.