Gulmarg snowstorm: Govt springs into action, rescues stranded tourists and locals

As Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing massive snowfall in the region, the government has now rescued tourists, and locals and removed their stranded vehicles after the abrupt snow on Sunday.

Government rescues people amid snowfall in Gulmarg

Speaking to ANI, CEO of Gulmarg Development Authority, Wassem Raja said, “The weather forecast didn't say that this kind of snowfall would happen so many people had come here. So many vehicles and tourists were stranded here. The whole administration was geared up; we accommodated the tourists in different hotels."

#WATCH | Gulmarg, J&K: Government helped tourists and locals in removing stranded vehicles after abrupt snowfall earlier today pic.twitter.com/FIvvMHlbrX

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2023

Earlier, at least 61 tourists struck at Gulmarg in northern Kashmir were evacuated to safety by the Chinar Warriors on Saturday.

What does the Indian Army say?

According to the Indian Army’s press release, the dip in temperature due to snowfall left the tourists stranded. The Army jawans provided them with heating arrangements, sleeping bags and hot meals to alleviate the hardships.

#WATCH | Gulmarg, J&K: Government helped tourists and locals in removing stranded vehicles after abrupt snowfall earlier today pic.twitter.com/FIvvMHlbrX

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2023

Notably, Gulmarg is a world-renowned tourist destination. The place turned into a winter wonderland after a fresh spell of snow fell on last weekend. According to reports, several roads were blocked in the area due to the snowfall, mounting the hardships of the residents.

Chinar Warriors – A help to the valley residents

However, this isn’t the first time that Chinar Warriors have helped the residents of the valley covered with a thick blanket of snow.

On Saturday, the group organised a medical camp at Ramhall and Taratpora.

The group helped the fire department douse the fire in the Bazipore area of Kashmir's Manasbal, thereby preventing the loss of life and property on Friday.

The Chinar Warriors are a part of the Indian Army's XC Corps, known as the Chinar Corps. They are responsible for military operations in the Kashmir Valley and have taken part in all military conflicts with neighbouring Pakistan and China.