GDA issues advisory for Schools to avoid weekend visits to Gulmarg

SRINAGAR: To ensure the convenience and safety of both visitors and local authorities, the GulmargDevlopment Authority on Tuesday issued an advisory for schools in the Kashmir Division to avoid planning excursions to Gulmarg on weekends due to heavy local and tourist rush.
As per the advisory, the heads of both private and government schools have been urged to schedule their trips to Gulmarg on weekdays rather than weekends to help manage the influx of visitors and avoid the heavy congestion typically seen on weekends.
It further said that schools planning a visit to Gulmarg must obtain prior permission from the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) through the application which should be sent via email to [email protected] or through cell number 9622500725 at least one week in advance with the details such as the total number of buses, the number of students, bus members, and the contact information of in-charge teachers or staff. Without this prior permission, school buses will not be allowed entry into Gulmarg, it said.
It also said that to prevent traffic jams and congestion, schools are advised to limit the number of buses to fewer than four per visit as the limited parking space in Gulmarg makes managing large fleets of buses challenging.
It further said that the schools are reminded that Gulmarg is an eco-sensitive area and the students and accompanying staff should be made aware that littering and the use of plastic and polythene are punishable offenses.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer GulmargDevlopment Authority, Waseem Raja told Rising Kashmir that the advisory will streamline the flow of visitors to Gulmarg and will ensure more enjoyable and less congested experience for everyone.
He said that schools are encouraged to comply with these guidelines to contribute to the preservation of Gulmarg’s natural beauty and ecological balance.
“We are committed to maintain Gulmarg’s beauty and ecological integrity. This advisory will help us manage the heavy footfall effectively and will ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors”, waseem added.
JavidJavad, a principal of Govtschool, said that Planning excursions on weekdays will not only avoid the weekend rush but also provide a better learning experience for students without the hassle of overcrowding.
Another teacher Javid Ahmad said that this advisory is a well-thought-out step. “It will ensure the safety of students and will contribute to the preservation of Gulmarg’s pristine environment. We fully support the authorities in this initiative.”
“Weekday trips to Gulmarg offer a safer and more enjoyable experience for our students, avoiding the busy weekend rush”, he added.