Baramulla, Dec 15: As the world-famous tourist resort of Gulmarg increasingly hosts national and international events, locals and tourism stakeholders have renewed their demand for infrastructure development that is in tune with the area’s environmentally sensitive character, with a strong push for the construction of an underground parking facility to preserve the resort’s natural beauty.
Over the past few years, Gulmarg has emerged as a preferred venue for major sporting and cultural events, significantly enhancing its profile on the global tourism map. However, residents argue that infrastructure upgrades have failed to keep pace with the growing influx of tourists and vehicles, leading to congestion and environmental stress.
According to locals and tourism stakeholders, Gulmarg urgently requires modern facilities such as a well-organised marketplace and, most importantly, a dedicated underground car parking system. They said the absence of such a facility has become a major concern, particularly during peak tourist seasons and large events.
Stakeholders pointed out that vehicles parked on open surfaces not only create chaos but also disturb the pristine meadows of Gulmarg. The overwhelming inflow of traffic often leads to congestion, forcing authorities to extend parking areas towards ecologically fragile zones, including the Gulmarg Bowl.
Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, a local resident associated with the tourism industry, said the situation frequently turns unmanageable when thousands of vehicles enter the resort daily. “During peak season, authorities are compelled to push parking towards the fragile Gulmarg Bowl. Environmentalists have repeatedly warned that this could cause irreversible damage to the area’s delicate ecology,” he said.
Wani stressed that an underground parking facility would significantly reduce surface-level congestion and help preserve the natural landscape. “An underground parking lot will not mar the beauty of Gulmarg’s meadows. Tourists often witness chaotic road conditions here, which affects their overall experience. A designated underground parking facility is essential for a destination like Gulmarg, which attracts millions of visitors every year,” he added.
Gulmarg’s growing prominence as a hub for national and international events underscores the need for sustainable infrastructure. From winter sports festivals to high-profile competitions, the resort continues to attract athletes, tourists and dignitaries from across India and abroad.
Events such as the Gulmarg Snow Festival, Gulmarg Winter Fest and the prestigious Khelo India Winter Games have brought unprecedented visibility to the resort. More recently, the Zabarwan Legends Series, held in October 2025, featured an international downhill mountain biking race with participants from countries including Australia and the Czech Republic. The event was organised by the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA).
Given Gulmarg’s environmentally sensitive status, locals said infrastructure planning must prioritise ecological protection alongside tourism growth. They argued that an underground parking facility would streamline traffic management while preventing further damage to the meadows and surrounding landscape.
Stakeholders also expressed serious concern over the lack of an organised marketplace in the resort. Historically, Gulmarg was known for its vibrant and world-famous market before the Partition, but no such organised market exists today. The absence of a proper market, they said, causes inconvenience to tourists and limits recreational and shopping options.
Tourists, including families and newly married couples, frequently complain about the lack of designated shopping and leisure spaces in the resort.
Senior Apni Party leader Ghulam Hassan Mir suggested that the government should develop a well-planned, plaza-style underground market that blends seamlessly with Gulmarg’s landscape. He said such a facility would enhance the tourist experience while ensuring that commercial activity does not disturb the scenic beauty of the meadows.
“With Gulmarg rapidly evolving into an international tourism and sports destination, infrastructure development must be carefully planned and environmentally sustainable. The construction of an underground parking facility and a modern, eco-friendly market is no longer a luxury but an urgent necessity to protect Gulmarg’s ecology and uphold its status as one of the world’s premier hill resorts,” Mir said.