Dehradun, Nov. 13 -- For 15 years, artificial snow-making machines purchased at an estimated cost of Rs.6.5 crore for the 2011 South Asian Winter Games in Auli have lain defunct - even as erratic and dwindling snowfall has triggered plummeting tourist footfall and repeated cancellation of winter events, including national skiing and snowboarding championships. Once hailed as India's premier skiing destination, Auli has steadily been losing its sheen, sparking anxiety among adventure sports operators, hoteliers, and restaurateurs. According to officials aware of the matter, the infrastructure comprises 26 snow guns-22 static and four mobile-along with an artificial lake constructed specifically to supply water to the system. While an attempt was made in 2018 to revive the machinery, it failed to yield results. In recent years, Auli's snowfall has become increasingly brief and unpredictable, forcing cancellation of several skiing tournaments. Stakeholders say that had snow-making system been operational, many of these events could have been salvaged, cushioning blow to winter tourism and local economy. Originally developed as a paramilitary base, Auli evolved into a sought-after skiing hub for both tourists and professional athletes. Perched at an altitude of about 2,800 metres and flanked by dense oak and coniferous forests, the destination offers panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi (7,816 metres), India's second-highest mountain. Months after locals and tourism stakeholders staged a multi-day protest in January under the banner of 'Auli Bachao' (Save Auli)-warning that the town's identity was under threat and demanding the activation of the idle machinery, authorities conducted an initial trial of the long-dormant system on Tuesday, sparking cautious optimism for the upcoming winter season. Ajay Bhatt, president of the Uttarakhand Winter Games Association, said the preliminary trial focused on testing the water supply network. "We needed to check whether water was reaching the snow guns from the pump houses and if the machines could spray it properly. It took us 20 days to repair the system, and the machines are now spraying water. We now require favourable temperature and humidity levels to produce artificial snow, which we expect after December 20," Bhatt said. He added that the focus will be on covering the upper slopes where temperatures are more conducive. "A mega skiing event hasn't been held here since 2011. Our effort is to organise a National Skiing Winter Carnival this year and build on its success. Artificial snow acts as a crucial layer of support that preserves natural snow and boosts tourism," he said, adding tourist numbers declined in recent years due to lack of snow. Tourism secretary Dheeraj Garbyal said that the state government is working alongside Winter Games Association and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) to restore the 2011 equipment. "The first phase of work is complete. Once temperatures drop to favourable levels in December, we will begin producing artificial snow to supplement natural snowfall," Garbyal said, adding that the government plans to host a national-level winter event this season. When contacted, CS Tomar, director of India Meteorological Department in Dehradun, said the weather department does not have a weather observatory at Auli to officially track long-term snowfall depletion trends. However, local stakeholders are sceptical of the revival exercise. Santosh Kunwar, founder of Auli Skiing School, dismissed the trial as an "eyewash" and a waste of public funds. "Only a single snow gun was operated recently to mislead senior officials. When we protested earlier this year, authorities had promised a technical survey to assess whether the outdated machinery is viable or if new units need to be procured," he alleged. "An expert called in from Himachal Pradesh clearly stated that these old machines are obsolete and only function at extremely low temperatures. A new machine should be brought in on a trial basis to test if current climatic conditions here are suitable for artificial snow production." Responding to the concerns, Bhatt said, "The current system is being maintained by GMVN. If it functions well, roping in experts will not be an issue."...