Srinagar: The Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) on Friday appealed to the administration to immediately prioritise the restoration of essential services, including electricity, road connectivity, drinking water supply and air services, in the aftermath of the recent snowfall across the Valley.
CCIK President Tariq Ghani said that priority roads should be cleared on a war footing to ensure smooth movement, followed by the restoration of power supply and uninterrupted functioning of air services, so as to minimise inconvenience to the public during the winter conditions.
He said residents had been eagerly awaiting the snowfall and expressed gratitude that although it arrived late, it came at an appropriate time. However, Ghani pointed out that strong gusty winds accompanying the snowfall have caused damage to several houses in different areas. He urged the authorities to provide immediate relief and assistance to affected families to ensure that people do not face undue hardship during the harsh winter.
Emphasising the importance of timely snowfall, Ghani noted that sudden melting could create serious challenges, and expressed hope that more snowfall would occur in the coming days. He said sustained snowfall would benefit water resources, agriculture and the horticulture sector in the long run.
The CCIK President also thanked the Chief Minister for holding consultations with stakeholders from industry, horticulture, agriculture, tourism, higher education and other sectors. He expressed hope that the inputs and recommendations shared during these meetings would be taken into account while finalising the upcoming budget.
CCIK said the snowfall is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism in the Valley and strengthen the overall economy of Kashmir. Winter sports, snow-based activities and events such as Khelo India are likely to enhance the region’s appeal and attract more tourists in the season ahead.
