Srinagar, April 5: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday held a high-level business interaction at its office on Residency Road, bringing together senior administrative officials and representatives of the trading community for a wide-ranging discussion on key civic, commercial and regulatory challenges affecting the Valley’s business ecosystem.
The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and SSP Traffic (City) Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, along with KCCI office bearers, market association heads and representatives from various trade sectors across Kashmir.
KCCI calls for sustained engagement, flags key business concerns
Welcoming the officials, KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga stressed the need for continuous and structured engagement between the administration and the business community. He said traders across Srinagar continue to face multiple challenges relating to infrastructure, civic amenities, regulatory frameworks and connectivity, requiring both immediate intervention and long-term policy solutions.
He appreciated the administration for ensuring regulated supply of fuel and LPG and curbing hoarding and black marketing, expressing hope that supply lines would remain stable going forward.
LPG supply, airport restrictions emerge as major concerns
Among the most pressing issues raised was the assurance of uninterrupted supply of commercial LPG, described by stakeholders as the “lifeline” for hotels, restaurants, bakeries and catering units. Traders warned that any disruption during the peak tourism season could force businesses to scale down operations and lead to significant financial losses, while also sending negative signals to prospective tourists.
Participants also expressed concern over ongoing repair works at Srinagar Airport, which have led to restricted flight operations and a 5:00 PM cutoff for departures. The KCCI noted that the curbs were adversely impacting business travellers, exporters of perishable goods, imports, tourists and patients. It urged the Divisional Commissioner to take up the matter with the Railway Ministry to enhance train connectivity between Srinagar, Jammu and New Delhi as an alternative.
Civic infrastructure, traffic and encroachment issues highlighted
Traders raised concerns over the deteriorating drainage system in both uptown and Downtown Srinagar, which has led to frequent waterlogging even during moderate rainfall, affecting businesses and customers alike.
Encroachment of footpaths by vehicles, shopkeepers and unauthorised vendors was flagged as a growing concern, restricting pedestrian movement and posing safety risks, particularly for elderly and differently-abled individuals, while also impacting commercial activity.
The need for multi-level parking infrastructure, extension of traffic personnel deployment beyond 6 PM and expediting long-pending road widening projects—including Khanyar–Zadibal–Pandach road and Meerak Road–Habba Kadal stretch—was also emphasised.
Fire safety, Smart City maintenance under scrutiny
Fire safety infrastructure emerged as a major concern. Traders pointed out that fire hydrants installed in Lal Chowk under Smart City works had become non-functional or buried, and that no dedicated fire tender was currently stationed in the city centre.
The KCCI also highlighted the absence of common sewage treatment plants (STPs) and functional fire safety systems in tourist destinations like Gulmarg and other areas witnessing high tourist footfall, terming it a serious risk to life and property.
Concerns were also raised over the poor maintenance of Smart City infrastructure, with reports of broken tiles, damaged manholes, defective lighting and loose panels across several commercial areas. Traders demanded the creation of a dedicated maintenance wing or a quick-repair mechanism with regular monitoring.
Sharp hike in municipal fees, industrial issues flagged
A significant concern raised during the meeting was the steep increase in municipal fees. Diagnostic centre representatives said fees had reportedly surged from ₹200 in 2019 to ₹26,000 annually, with an additional ₹12,000 charged for biomedical waste management, despite waste disposal being handled at their own cost at Lassipora.
Industrial representatives flagged non-functional drainage and sewerage systems at Rangreth Industrial Estate, stating that waste discharge from adjoining facilities was causing health hazards and affecting food processing units.
Copper traders and workers also highlighted sector-specific challenges, while concerns were raised over the limited capacity for GI tagging of handicrafts at IICT, with current certification levels far below demand.
Urban planning, vending and heritage concerns raised
The KCCI raised concerns over unregulated street vending on Hari Singh High Street, calling for relocation of vendors to a designated flea market at Eidgah. It said a site had already been identified and urged authorities to operationalise it with proper infrastructure and regulation.
Other civic issues included non-functional public washrooms at Polo View, lack of drinking water kiosks in markets and congestion caused by unregulated halting of Smart City buses.
The chamber also flagged the deteriorating condition of Brari Nambal and called for restoration and promotion of Shahre Khas to preserve its heritage value.
Social concerns, transport and education issues discussed
KCCI members also raised broader social issues, including rising drug addiction, violence against women and challenges faced by private schools. Women members called for urgent intervention and the formation of the Women’s Commission.
Transporters expressed concern over vehicles registered outside J&K operating in the Valley, impacting local operators.
Concerns over proposed flyover, demand for DPR disclosure
Serious apprehensions were raised regarding the proposed Sangarmal–Rajbagh flyover, with traders fearing demolition of shops and residential structures in several commercial areas. The KCCI urged the administration to direct the concerned agencies to make the Detailed Project Report (DPR) public for consultation and transparency.
Administration assures action, calls for cooperation
Responding to the issues, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg assured the business community that all concerns would be examined through a dual approach—immediate issues would be addressed on priority, while structural challenges would be tackled through a phased roadmap.
He said the administration was closely monitoring fuel and LPG supplies and had implemented a system requiring dealers to upload daily stock positions to district authorities. He also expressed concern over the growing drug menace and sought cooperation from the trading community.
On Smart City infrastructure, he informed that maintenance contracts had been awarded and work had commenced. He invited stakeholders to identify suitable locations for parking infrastructure and assured openness to suggestions.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo assured full cooperation and active follow-up, stating that administration offices remain accessible to the business community for grievance redressal.
SSP Traffic Ajaz Ahmad Bhat highlighted measures being taken to streamline traffic movement and said strict enforcement of traffic rules was underway, with violators being challaned regularly.
