Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that the Gulmarg Development Authority is actively strengthening sanitation and waste management infrastructure in the area. He said that a 2 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) project, costing ₹46.50 crore, has been approved and its execution is proposed to commence in the financial year 2026–27.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Kreeri-Wagoora, the Chief Minister stated that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Solid Waste Treatment Plant (SWTP) is currently under preparation by the Mechanical and R&B Departments for subsequent approval and execution.

Addressing another query regarding the pendency of registration of pony walas, guides, sledge pullers, photographers and others, the Chief Minister clarified that the delay is not due to administrative reasons. He said it is a deliberate policy decision aimed at maintaining carrying capacity, ensuring environmental sustainability, preventing overcrowding and congestion, and promoting orderly and sustainable tourism development in Gulmarg.

The Chief Minister further informed that ATVs and snow bikes in Jammu & Kashmir are primarily procured by beneficiaries through bank-linked self-employment schemes and entrepreneurship programmes. “The Tourism Department facilitates their registration and grants operational permissions,” he added.

MLA Gulmarg, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, raised a supplementary on the occasion.