The tourist resort of Sonamarg in this central Kashmir district will be reopened on March 8. The road to the scenic place was closed in December last year following heavy snowfall.
An official said the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Ganderbal,ShafqatIqbal along with SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmed Poswal, officials ofBeacon, Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) and other departments visitedSonamarg to assess the road conditions and other arrangements.
The official said owing to the arrival of tourists thedistrict administration has decided to reopen the road early this year. Themove will give a boost to the tourism and local economy, said the official.
The DC said they visited Sonamarg and reviewed the snowclearance work and directed the departments concerned for restoration ofelectricity, water supply and communication at the health resort to ensure thatthe visitors do not face any inconvenience. He confirmed that the road would bereopened on March 8.
He said to attract more tourists, the SDA has been asked toorganise a snow festival on March 8 which will mark the opening of the resortto tourists.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SDA, Mushtaq Ahmed saiddifferent snow games like snow-biking, skiing, snow-cycling and snow rugby willbe held during the festival to attract tourists.