“Residents thank LG Manoj Sinha for approving ₹80 lakh for the macadamisation of the Gad Kol road last year”
Aqib Rasool
Ganderbal: The residents of Gad Kol village in Sonamarg have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) to declare their village a Tourism Village, stating that the move would boost tourism and improve the socio-economic condition of the local population.
Addressing the media, the residents urged the administration to permit them to renovate their traditional mud houses (Kothas), many of which were constructed over a century ago. They said the structures have deteriorated with time and that they are not even being allowed to install tin trusses for protection, leaving families vulnerable during heavy rain and snowfall.
The villagers alleged that despite being located in one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most prominent tourist destinations, Gad Kol continues to lack basic civic amenities, including proper drainage, drinking water, and electricity. They said it was unfortunate that even in 2026, the village continues to struggle for essential facilities while the rest of the world has witnessed significant development.
The residents expressed their gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for approving ₹80 lakh for the macadamisation of the village road, which was subsequently executed by the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department. They appreciated the LG’s efforts in reaching out to poor and needy people and said they have full faith that his administration will also address their long-pending demands.
They appealed to the government to declare Gad Kol a Tourism Village, on the lines of Dodpathri, saying such a decision would create employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
The villagers said they have been serving the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra for more than 100 years and that tourism remains their primary source of livelihood. They added that the opening of the Sonamarg Tunnel has significantly boosted tourist inflow to the region, and they are hopeful that the administration will now focus on developing Gad Kol accordingly.
The residents further urged the authorities to allow the construction and renovation of traditional mud houses, stating that water seeps into the century-old structures during rainfall and snowfall, causing severe hardships to families, particularly children. They appealed to the administration to take immediate steps to improve basic infrastructure and preserve their traditional homes while ensuring better living conditions for the local population.
