Traditional horse riding was replaced in hilly Gulmarg some years ago by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with the aim of improving the socio-economic conditions of pony wallas there. However the project has proved non-viable, leading the government to put a cap on its expansion plans, an official of the Tourism Department told Kashmir Reader on condition of anonymity.
About 57 out of the 200 pony wallas then active were given ATVs on subsidy by the government to increase their income by 100% and improve their social status. In 2018, according to the president of ATV Vehicles, Gulmarg, Abdul Majeed Lone, the income of ATV wallas remains by and large the same, which has not improved their lifestyle.
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