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Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 03 August 2017

• Requisite safety measures reinforced: Secy Tourism

GULMARG: The Cable Car at the ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir was today reopened for tourists after reinforcing the necessary safety measures following the tragic accident which took place on June 25 this year. Legislator, Mohammad Abbas Wani, Secretary Tourism & Information, M H Malik, Managing Director State Cable Car Corporation, Shamim Ahmad besides other officers of the tourism department and SCCC were present on the occasion.

Pertinently, the Gondola was closed for the visitors on June 25 this year,  as a tree, uprooted by high-velocity winds, fell on the cable car’s ropes killing seven tourists. Speaking at the reopening of Cable Car, the Secretary Tourism said that although it was made operational the same day the tragic accident happened, "however, we didn't open it for public until we ensured that all the necessary safety measures are reinforced." 

He said there was no technical snag in Gondola which led to the tragic deaths. "It was an accident and no one could have foreseen it," he said. Mr Malik said the experts from the French firm - Pomagalski, which had initially set up the facility at Gulmarg, inspected the project and were satisfied with the safety measures reinforced by the State Cable Car Corporation.

He said the tourists visiting Gulmarg were especially feeling disappointed for not enjoying the Gondola ride and the tourist arrivals at the resort had also declined because of non-functioning of Gondola. "It had also resulted in several locals having been rendered jobless," he said.