Gulmarg, a picturesque town in Jammu and Kashmir, experienced a dry spell in early January. However, tragedy struck as a massive avalanche hit the region, claiming the life of a Russian skier while six others were successfully rescued. The avalanche occurred in the upper reaches of Gulmarg near the Kongdoori slopes, prompting swift deployment of helicopters for search and rescue operations.
Notably, the seven Russian skiers affected by the avalanche had ventured onto the slopes without local guides, as reported by PTI. The Army personnel and a patrolling team from the Jammu and Kashmir administration were mobilized for the challenging rescue-cum-search operations.
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Disturbing visuals from the aftermath depicted tourists stranded in knee-deep snow, with a civilian helicopter navigating the area. Additionally, a snowmobile, often utilized for adventure sports, lay trapped in the snow-covered slope left by the avalanche.
Fortunately, all participants of the Khelo India Games were reported safe. The fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games was inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Kumar Sinha in Gulmarg just a day prior.
Despite the initial dry spell in January, Gulmarg had witnessed a transformation with massive snowfall since the beginning of February, turning it into a hub for adventure enthusiasts and tourists. This shift brought relief after over two months of disappointment for those involved in tourism and winter sports due to the lack of snow during peak winter.
The blog post also highlighted a recent avalanche in the Sonamarg area on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Fortunately, no damage was reported near the workshop for Zojila tunnel construction in Sonamarg.
Issued avalanche warnings for the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley followed heavy snowfall in the first week of February, emphasizing the precarious conditions in the region. The combination of recent snowfall and the inherent beauty of Gulmarg’s landscapes and world-class skiing slopes has once again made it a sought-after destination for adventure seekers and tourists.