A major rescue operation unfolded at the popular ski resort of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, where nearly 300 passengers found themselves stranded in cable car cabins due to a technical malfunction on May 25. The situation prompted swift action, with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary arriving on-site to oversee the rescue efforts. He assured reporters that all passengers were safely brought down, emphasizing that the rescue operation was nearing completion.
Choudhary disclosed that a total of 260 tourists were involved, with evacuations conducted from 63 cabins. He credited the combined efforts of the Army, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local residents, and police, stating, "All people have been evacuated. The path there is very muddy, so people are coming down on foot from above. There is no need to panic. Everything is fine." He committed to submitting a comprehensive report to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah following the incident.
- Rescue operation involved multiple agencies — coordinated efforts by the Army, police, and SDRF were crucial.
- Technical glitch confirmed — managing director of the Cable Car Corporation stated it was not a major issue.
- Government oversight — Chief Minister Abdullah assured that all necessary measures were in place for a safe evacuation.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha monitored the rescue, directing the DGP to the site. His involvement underscored the urgency of the operation, which was initially sparked by a technical fault. The collaborative response from various agencies highlighted the seriousness of the situation and averted what could have been a major disaster.
Chief Minister Abdullah, an enthusiastic skier who frequently uses the Gulmarg Gondola, expressed confidence in the safety measures taken during the rescue. He reassured the public through social media, stating, "The situation is completely under control and there is no cause for panic." His familiarity with the terrain and the technical aspects of the cable car system lent credibility to his reassurance, easing concerns among families of the stranded tourists.
