Gulmarg, Oct 26: To ensure a better tourist experience in Gulmarg during the upcoming winter season, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa on Sunday chaired a meeting of officers and stakeholders at Golf Club Gulmarg to review winter preparedness, service regulation, and necessary arrangements.

The meeting was attended by SDM Gulmarg, CEO, GDA, RTO Baramulla, DySP Traffic, officers from R&B, Municipal Committees, PDD, PHE, Cable Car Corporation, and representatives from various associations.

The DC directed concerned departments to regulate service pricing in consultation with all associations. The finalised rates shall be prominently displayed through hoardings at key locations for public awareness.

He instructed that 4×4 vehicles, snow chains, and e-rickshaws be kept ready by December 1. "The operation of non-SUVs, two-wheelers, and heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) must be restricted during winter for public safety," he added.

The R&B and Municipal Committees were directed to complete all pending works from the previous season by the end of November. PDD was instructed to complete trimming along the 33 KV line and ensure the functionality of streetlights before the onset of snowfall.

The installation of CCTV cameras and signage in peripheral areas and ski slopes was also emphasised, to be carried out jointly by the Cable Car Corporation and the police. It was decided that only ATVs will be allowed up to Drung.

Arrangements for salting icy roads, ensuring water supply through 4×4 tankers, were also discussed. The DC directed water quality testing in all hotels and the creation of a waiting hall and holding area near the Cable Car base station.

The DC instructed immediate enforcement of the Non-Biodegradable Act and the launch of a special drive against single-use plastic. Sanitation support, including recovery vans, will be deployed along the GT Road.

He directed the identification of land for multi-level car parking at Tangmarg and the creation of temporary parking zones. Adequate traffic personnel will be deployed in the Gulmarg bowl, while crash barriers will be repaired jointly by RTO and Traffic Police.

It was decided that joint control rooms at Gulmarg and Tangmarg will be established for coordinated winter response. The DC emphasised the timely booking of departmental huts for training and tourism-related courses.

The DC stressed that all departments must work in close coordination to ensure smooth operations and enhance the overall experience for tourists visiting Gulmarg during the winter season.