Srinagar, Oct 27, : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday made it clear that the government-run helicopter services operating in remote regions like Gurez are exclusively meant to assist local residents and not tourists.
Responding to a query by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said that the chopper service has been designed to meet the essential needs of locals who remain cut off from the rest of the Valley during the severe winter months.
“The helicopter services in Gurez are only meant for locals as the area remains cut off during winters. So far, the government has no plan to start helicopter services for tourists in far-flung areas, including Gurez,” the Chief Minister said on the floor of the House.
However, he noted that the administration is open to private participation in tourism-related aviation services. “If any private player intends to start helicopter services for tourists in Gurez, we won’t create hurdles; instead, we will support them,” Omar Abdullah said, according to Kashmir Indepth News Service.
The Chief Minister’s remarks underline the government’s focus on maintaining connectivity for remote communities rather than promoting luxury or adventure travel in difficult terrains. Officials said that during winters, Gurez Valley remains cut off for nearly five months as heavy snowfall blocks the Razdan Pass, the only road link connecting the region to Bandipora and the rest of Kashmir.
Authorities added that the existing helicopter services primarily cater to emergencies, patient evacuation, and essential supplies, particularly for those stranded in isolated pockets during the cold months.
While tourism stakeholders have been advocating limited winter access for tourists to places like Gurez and Tulail, the government maintains that its priority is the welfare of locals. Omar Abdullah’s statement, however, leaves open the possibility of future private-sector involvement, should infrastructure and security conditions allow.
