Tourism, Trade and Traffic: Div Com Kashmir holds dialogue with Kashmir’s business community

Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Executive Committee, along with various stakeholders, convened a marathon meeting with the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Muzaffar Shah, at the Chamber office in Srinagar on Wednesday, May 29th.

Led by President Javed Ahmad Tenga, the KCCI team, alongside leaders from various trade associations, addressed a plethora of pressing issues affecting the region. Discussions spanned concerns such as the state of Polo View Market, Residency Road, Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, and the persisting parking challenges. Additionally, matters regarding Shehre Khas Roads/Footpaths, Fire Fighting Systems, Smart City projects, Traffic Management, and decongestion strategies were deliberated upon.

Among the array of concerns were the conditions of non-functional drainage systems, poorly maintained washrooms, and the state of the public transport system. Furthermore, topics such as Amarnath Yatra arrangements, restrictions on tourist movement, renewal of tourism registration certificates, and the facilitation of tourist pick-up/drop facilities at Boulevard were addressed. The meeting also touched upon permissions for repairs, renovations, and reconstructions within the hospitality sector, as well as the carrying capacity of tourist destinations and the facilitation of ease of doing business through a single-window system.

Addressing environmental concerns, discussions included the conservation of natural resources, the status of wetlands, solid waste management, and flood prevention measures. Notably, the formation of a joint Tourism consultative committee comprising officials and stakeholders to ensure smoother tourism operations was proposed. Furthermore, the issue of non-accessibility to shops due to the occupation of footpaths was raised.

In response, the SSP Traffic highlighted upcoming initiatives such as the implementation of automatic traffic signals to improve traffic flow. Acknowledging the pressing parking issues in Srinagar, he assured that measures were underway to address them. Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner pledged to seriously consider the matters raised and assured the stakeholders that efforts would be made to resolve them. Notably, he mentioned the government’s plans to introduce water transport in Jhelum and Dal Lake as a solution to traffic congestion.

The meeting concluded with President KCCI expressing gratitude to the Divisional Commissioner and SSP Traffic for their continued support and for dedicating time to address the concerns of the business community. He emphasized the significance of the KCCI, founded a century ago, and one of India’s oldest chambers of commerce. Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary General of KCCI, concluded the proceedings by extending thanks to all participants and reaffirming the commitment to collaborative efforts towards resolving the region’s challenges.