World famous ski-resort of Gulmarg ​is all set to script history with three lakh trees being planted in the Gulmarg-Tangmarg bowl from today.

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Situated at an altitude of 4124 meters, famed winter resort of Gulmarg was declared seventh top ski resort of Asia by the CNN International in 2010. Famous for its lush green meadows and world class Alps, the resort is home to Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth highest peak.

The USP of the resort is the world highest ropeway, known as Gulmarg Gandola, which ascends from 2650 meters to the height of 3980 meters. The resort also houses elite High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) of the army which imparts training to soldiers across the globe in high altitude warfare.

The massive plantation drive will add another feather in the cap of Gulmarg as three lakh trees are being planted in the bowl. 

File Pic: A view of snowy Gulmarg​

Organized by Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg Chapter, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir forest department, tourism department and J&K Police, the plantation drive will cover Gulmarg and Tangmarg areas in the ski resort.

“It is for the first time in the history of Kashmir that three lakh trees will be planted in Gulmarg and Tangmarg. Not only will the trees be planted in forest land, these will be sowed in hoteliers’ premises, Gulmarg Development Authority land and other sites. We will be planting trees wherever land is available”, said Mukhtar Ahmad Shah, President J&K Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg.

The plantation drive will kick off on Monday and will continue till next year when the target of planting three lakh trees will be achieved. 

“It is not possible to plant three lakh trees in one day. There is no time bar. The drive will continue till 300,000 trees are planted”, said Shah.

File Pic: Adventure lovers ski in Gulmarg

Cheaper rates, powder snow and good facilities give Gulmarg an edge over other European destinations as a ski resort. Plus the world's highest and Asia's longest rope-way makes Gulmarg cream-of-the-crop adventure destinations. 

“Gulmarg has a great history. Now massive plantation will make it truly an international destination. Lofty mountains, world class alps and now massive tree cover will further boost the tourism in Gulmarg", said an official.