MLA Speaks: Farooq Shah pledges to develop ‘Greater Gulmarg’ for economic growth

Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, National Conference candidate and politician, who won Gulmarg assembly seat with a thumping majority, has promised a plan for ‘Greater Gulmarg’ and tap village tourism for economic growth.
In an interview with Rising Kashmir, Shah stated that Gulmarg has already established itself as a premier tourist destination, both in India and globally. He highlighted that, in terms of winter sports, Gulmarg is one of the most affordable destinations, featuring the world’s highest skiing point and the iconic Gondola ride.
“In my manifesto, I have committed to developing “Greater Gulmarg,” which means envisioning its full tourism potential. Our goal is to extend tourism to villages with untapped potential, bringing them under the tourism umbrella to improve livelihoods and boost the local economy. Tourism is the only sector through which we can provide jobs to unemployed youth, he added,” he said.
Regarding the Home Stay Policy of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, he emphasized that the government must implement it cautiously to ensure that the hotel sector is not adversely affected.
“It is a positive initiative by the government. Our mission will focus on villages with tourism potential, where homestays can be a viable option. People can upgrade some rooms of houses into beautiful home stays,” he said.
He stated the plans to make Gulmarg one of the best skiing destinations in the world while also integrating potential villages into the tourism industry. “Tangmarg will always be a priority for me and we will strive to provide the best tourism facilities in these areas,” he said.
Shah mentioned that he plans to create state-of-the-art markets in Tangmarg and Kunzer. Additionally, he aims to develop cherry and strawberry villages, leveraging the area’s agricultural production to attract both domestic and international tourists.
“By enhancing these offerings, I hope to create a vibrant tourism experience that showcases the region’s unique agricultural heritage,” he said.
While commenting on the community’s demand for establishing a university near the Babareshi Shrine, similar to Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri, Shah expressed regret over the lost opportunity due to inaction by the former minister and MLA.
“We could have established a similar university at Babareshi. We will do our utmost to create a university there, which will invigorate the entire area,” he said.
While discussing the construction of a dam on Ferozpora Nallah, which was promised by the government in 1986, he noted that the irrigation basin division was established specifically for that purpose. He also pointed out that the then Minister and MLA, who served three terms, halted the project, adversely affecting water supply and irrigation facilities. “We will make every effort to revive that project and engage with the relevant stakeholders to turn it into a reality,” he said.
He stated that the Tangmarg area has significant potential for horticulture and agriculture, and he plans to establish cold storage facilities for the apple industry, as there is currently not a single such facility in the region.
“There is a dire need for it, as people want to store their produce during October and November. These facilities are vital for farmers, allowing them to sell apples in the winter months until March. I have comprehensive plans for the horticulture industry,” he said.
While expressing dismay over the healthcare sector, he emphasized his commitment to placing special focus on health and education.
“It is unfortunate that SDH Tangmarg was once a unit of the Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar, but the former Minister and MLA was unable to make significant improvements. My plan is to transform the Tangmarg and Kunzer hospitals into some of the best facilities in the area, ensuring that patients have access to all necessary services and do not need to travel to Srinagar for treatment,” Shah said.
“The people have made their decision for change through their votes. From the very beginning, we knew the public was with us. The youth, too, have stepped forward for change and have rejected the enemies of Kashmir,” he said.
“I am committed to implementing the manifesto we promised the people. I will work tirelessly for public welfare and will not disappoint the people,” Shah said.
The NC candidate emerged victorious with a thumping majority of 26,984 votes in Gulmarg. The voter turnout and demographics, especially after the delimitation, have shifted the political calculations in the region. The Gulmarg seat holds symbolic significance due to its strategic importance and tourism industry influence.