Baramulla, Apr 12:The Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) on Saturday issued a notice to schools in Kashmir, advising them to refrain from planning visits to Gulmarg on Saturdays and Sundays due to the heavy tourist influx to the area.
Tariq Hussain Naik, the Chief Executive Officer, GDA informed Rising Kashmir that the ongoing tourist season has resulted in an extraordinary surge of visitors to Gulmarg, particularly on weekends, causing severe traffic congestion, overcrowding, and safety concerns.
“To ensure the safety of students, all government and private schools in the Kashmir Division are advised to suspend educational tours, picnics, and excursions to Gulmarg on Saturdays and Sundays until further notice. Additionally, it is mandatory for schools to obtain prior approval from the head of the institution or department at least five working days in advance. This request must be submitted to the GDA via email ([email protected]) and should include the date of the visit, the number of students, details of the supervising staff, transportation arrangements, and emergency contact numbers to facilitate better coordination with local authorities and law enforcement during the visit.
Naik emphasized that the management is responsible for vehicle parking and maintaining sanitation in the area before and after the visit. Furthermore, the use of plastic and disposable items is strictly prohibited during trips to Gulmarg.
“We have also informed the Director of School Education Kashmir about the advisory that has been issued for all Government and Private schools within the Kashmir Division, he said.
The GDA stated that any violations of this advisory will be taken seriously, and appropriate actions will be enforced against those who do not comply..
