The second leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg remains uncertain, as the government has not announced new dates due to a lack of snowfall.
The event was originally planned for early February but was postponed.
Its fate now depends on the weather in the coming weeks.
Best wishes to all the athletes participating in the 5th Khelo India Winter Games 2025! I am sure this tournament will encourage upcoming talent. May the games also be a celebration of sportsman spirit.@kheloindia pic.twitter.com/1bUx7SqKv8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2025
Yesterday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, speaking at the launch of a year-round helicopter service in Gulmarg, said the administration is closely monitoring snowfall levels.
He said that experts from the Ski Federation will soon assess the slopes, and if conditions are suitable, the games could be held in the first week of March.
"At the moment, we cannot confirm anything. If there is enough snowfall, the games will be held in early March,’’ he said. “If not, it will be cancelled as summer approaches.”
He also spoke about Gulmarg’s potential as a top destination for adventure tourism.
He said the new helicopter service would support heli-skiing and give tourists a unique sightseeing experience. "Gulmarg will soon be known for heli adventures along with its famous Gondola rides," he said.
He said the helicopter service will run all year, offering visitors stunning aerial views of the region.
He said the government is also in talks with private investors to improve Gulmarg’s ski facilities. He said the government is planning to expand the Gondola with new cable car projects.
Kashmir has witnessed far less snowfall this winter than usual. The lack of snowfall has left several natural sources of drinking water in Kashmir dry. Snowfall is the key to sustaining water supply in Kashmir in summers as rivers and springs.
Environmentalists say the lack of snowfall in Kashmir is due to global warming. They say the government needs to take note of the looming water shortage crisis and prepare contingencies to meet the needs in summer.
This year February has witnessed temperatures 8 degrees above normal.
The rising temperatures have brought some relief from the cold but signalled serious changes in weather patterns in Kashmir.
