Srinagar: A delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, on Tuesday met Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg to raise concerns over notices and closure actions initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (PCC) against hotels in Srinagar.
The delegation included Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, Past President of KCC&I, and Ghowhar Maqbool, President of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association and an Executive Committee member of KCC&I.
During the meeting, the delegation informed the Divisional Commissioner about what it termed as unwarranted notices and closures issued to several hotels in the Lal Chowk area and adjoining localities. They said the action had created anxiety among hoteliers and was adversely affecting business operations at a time when the tourism sector is in the process of stabilising.
The KCC&I representatives urged the administration to intervene and ensure that regulatory measures are implemented in a fair, transparent and consultative manner.
Responding to the concerns, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg assured the delegation that no undue harassment would be allowed. He said the matter would be taken up with the Pollution Control Committee to ensure that actions are taken strictly in accordance with rules and that compliant establishments are not subjected to arbitrary closures.
He further assured that hoteliers would be given an opportunity to present their case and that a balanced approach would be adopted to safeguard both environmental interests and economic activity.
