Sonamarg to host ice skating this winter; tourism stakeholders overjoyed

Raja Syed Rather

Ganderbal, Dec 04 (KNO): For the first time, ice skating is set to commence in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, specifically in Sonamarg – The Golden Meadow.

Sonamarg, renowned for its scenic beauty, possesses significant tourism potential. In light of the consistent influx of tourists to this place in recent years, the government has initiated an ice skating course this winter.

Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), local resident Sheikh Showkat expressed optimism, saying this endeavour by the administration presents a valuable opportunity for the tourism sector during the winter season.

“Previously, Sonamarg remained closed, but with this initiative, tourism and the market are expected to expand. The Yatri Nivas ground for ice skating is also close to the market, which will provide an economic advantage for tourists staying in proximity,” Showkat said.

Another local, Bashir Ahmed, said the news of ice skating starting this winter has filled the people of Sonamarg with joy. “This initiative will create employment opportunities for the youth through learning, guiding, forming ice skating clubs, and collaborating with the tourism department,” he said, adding that the move is a significant opportunity for tourists, locals and the market.

Speaking to KNO, a sportsperson Tabia Jan said it is an “excellent opportunity” for youth to learn a new game, acquire new skills, unleash their potential, excel in sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

With winter tourism and winter games, Sonamarg is poised to establish itself as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map. The success story of the tourism boom in ‘The Golden Meadow’ stands as a testament to the region’s natural beauty and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders promoting and sustaining tourism in this picturesque part of the Ganderbal district.

Chief Executive Officer of Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), Ilyas Ahmed, said, “We have devised a basic programme using our resources, and we aim to involve more locals in ice skating.”

“As this is happening for the first time, we plan to include approximately 15 participants in the basic course. Additionally, we intend to expand this initiative and involve local stakeholders in it.”—(KNO)

Allocation of additional 293 MWs brings huge respite from distress curtailment in J&K: Govt

Curtailment schedule being followed, no unscheduled cuts now: Pr Sec Prasad

Riyaz Bhat

Srinagar, Dec 04 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir power Development Department (JKPDD) Monday said that the recently allocated 293 MW additional power by the union ministry has brought huge reduction in distress curtailment.

Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD) H Rajesh Prasad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), “Unscheduled power cuts have reduced since GoI has announced power supply of 293 MG. We have been able to maintain the schedule cuts.”

Asked about the ongoing curtailment schedule of power, the principal secretary said, “The ongoing schedule will continue to remain in effect. We are not reducing it.” He said that the department was maintaining more than what was being supplied last year. “As of now we cannot say as to how much of power demand and supply will be there because of several factors including power availability, peak winters and availability of funds,” Prasad said.

He said that the department didn’t want to make any promises which it won’t deliver.

Meanwhile, Chief Engineer Distribution for KPDCL, Javed Yousuf Dar told KNO that there was an improvement in the situation in this regard. “There has been a huge reduction in distress curtailment.”—(KNO)

Weather Update

Mostly dry weather is expected in Jammu and Kashmir during the next 6 days

Temperature Update

Starting tomorrow, expect a notable decline in night temperatures. In Kashmir plains, temperatures might fall to minus 3 – 4°C, and a few areas can register temperatures even lower than that.
Below normal temperatures are also expected in Jammu plains & higher reaches.

Regards: Kashmir Weather

𝙒𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙅&𝙆(04.12.23)@1130hrs:

𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 weather: Mainly clear at most places.
𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩:
●4th -10th December: Mainly dry weather

●11th December: Generally cloudy.

● Fall in Minimum temperature 🌡by 1-3°C is expected during next 7 days over all the stations.

𝙈𝙀𝙏 𝘾𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙍𝙀 𝙎𝙍𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙂𝘼𝙍