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Despite having huge tourism potential, Sonamarg lacks several facilities  

Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has been witnessing major tourist footfall from past few months but lacks in many basic facilities leading to tourist’s inconvenience.

Government fails to provide several measures including infrastructure upgradation, beautification and conservation.

It is pertinent to mention that Sonamarg remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall but this year administration tried to keep it open even during winters. This move of government was appreciated by various tourists and stakeholders of tourism sector.

Sonamarg attracts many local and non- local tourists during summers and remains crowded with many Amarnath pilgrims who put a stay here during annual yatra.

Sonamarg also has importance as it is gateway to Ladakh and base camp for the Amarnath yatra.  

But despite having major tourist attraction government has not been able to built proper infrastructure for the place. As per locals, Sonamarg has no parks where one can sit and refresh themselves or have a get together. They further said that Sonamarg has to offer nothing for the upper class tourists like any Golf course.

Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) was formed in 2003 for the development, beautification and conservation of Sonamarg health resort.

However, it has allegedly failed to upgrade and tap the potential of the area almost.  Also there are no proper accommodation facilities that can be utilised in view of the huge influx of tourists and Amarnath yatris.

President Hoteliers Association Sonamarg Farooq Ahmad Hafiz told Greater Kashmir that in private sector Sonamarg has carrying capacity of about 1500-2000 persons, adding that which is sufficient given the present influx of tourists visiting the destination Sonamarg. He said that during Amarnath Yatra more camping are set to accommodate pilgrims intending to stay here.

As per reports, three state of the art facilities in Sonamarg constructed at huge amount are not utilised properly by the Sonamarg development authority. These include International Youth hostel, Yatri Niwas and Sonamarg Club.