Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 7: Senior National conference leader and former MLA Kangan Mian Altaf today expressed his dissent about the closure of the Sonamarg health resort and said that the Government despite its tall claims and assurances has failed to keep Sonamarg open during winters.
In a statement issued today, Altaf said that the Government, Tourism and other departments had assured that the Sonamarg will be kept open during winter months so that the visitors coming from different parts of the country can visit the place. He said that after the snowfall on Wednesday the Sonamarg was cut off with no road access and any basic facilities like electricity and water.
Many tourists who had come to visit Sonamarg had to return back disappointed, adding that it has also affected the livelihood of hundreds of locals who are dependent on the tourism sector here and work as labourers, sledge riders, ponywalas besides shopkeepers and hoteliers.
NC leader said that the Government had also announced that the escape tunnel of Z Morh at Shitkari Sonamarg will be used during winter months to keep Sonamarg open during winter’s and heavy snowfall however that too hasn’t been done. He urged the Government to gear up and ensure the connectivity to Sonamarg and make arrangements for providing all the required facilities for people here.
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