Ganderbal, June 20: In a key step towards integrating academic learning with administrative realities, the 2025 batch of Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) and Kashmir Police Service (KPS) officers visited the picturesque town of Sonamarg on Friday for an immersive field orientation.
The visit was part of their Joint Foundation Course, being conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (JK IMPARD), Srinagar, under the supervision of Dr. Jahan Ara and Dr. Bilal Bhat.
The highlight of the visit was an interactive session held at the International Youth Hostel, where the officers engaged with Bilal Mukhtar (JKAS), Chief Executive Officer of the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA). CEO Mukhtar welcomed the officers and delivered an in-depth presentation on various facets of governance, development, and environmental stewardship in a high-altitude tourist destination like Sonamarg.
He elaborated on topics such as sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, waste management, infrastructure development, and inter-departmental coordination during peak tourist seasons. A special focus was placed on the eco-sensitive nature of the area, with Mukhtar highlighting the waste management plant set up in Sarbal as a major step toward eco-friendly waste disposal.
The newly inducted officers actively participated in the session, posing insightful questions related to wildlife-human conflict, construction norms in ecologically fragile zones, and balancing development with environmental preservation. CEO Mukhtar responded candidly, sharing administrative experiences and outlining practical strategies employed by the SDA, including adaptive governance and strict policy enforcement.
“This interaction has given us a valuable, on-ground perspective on how real-time challenges are addressed by the administration. It’s been an eye-opening experience,” said one of the trainee officers.
Apart from the administrative engagement, the officers had the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Sonamarg — from lush green meadows and cascading waterfalls to horse riding trails — reinforcing the importance of protecting such delicate landscapes while enabling tourism.
The session proved to be both informative and enriching, offering future administrators and police officers a clearer understanding of governance in challenging yet vital regions like Sonamarg.
