Minister of State for Tourism, Ms. Priya Sethi today informed the House that Cable Car Project at Gulmarg has in no way affected the livelihood of local Ponywallas, helpers, tourist guides etc. In fact after operation of Gulmarg Gandola Project, the tourist destinations i.e. Kongdori and Apharwat have become easily accessible for tourists, which were otherwise in-accessible to tourists, she added.Replying to a question by Mr. Mohammad Abass Wani, the Minister said that opening of these destinations and continued successful operation of Gulmarg Gondola Project has increased the tourist arrivals manifold which in turn has increased the opportunities for these local people directly and indirectly.The Minister said that sledge workers, tourist guides, ski guides and other are doing a better business at the new destinations, apart from Gulmarg bowl. She said at the time of commissioning has f Gandola Cable Car, the number of ponywallas was 935 and today the number of regular ponywallas is 1755. She said thus the number of ponywallas is increased over the period of time as the tourism activities have increased at Gulmarg since the commissioning of the Gulmarg Cable Car Project.