Srinagar, Oct 18: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole today directed officials that rates for transport vehicles, hotels and ponies need to be fixed permanently and uniformly to check on the overcharging of tourists. He added that “reasonable rates” shall only be charged from tourists to address the complaints received from tourists regarding overcharging.
In this regard a meeting will be convened soon to fix the rates for vehicles, hotels, ponywalas, snow scooters and alternate vehicles, he said.
Pole chaired a meeting on fixation of rates with concerned officers, which was attended by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ananatnag and CEOs of Gulmarg Development Authority, Sonmarg Development Authority and Pahalgam Development Authority through video conferencing and Additional Commissioner Kashmir, Managing Director JKTDC and other officer.
Any overcharging and exploitation of tourists by Transporters, Hoteliers and Pony wallas shall not be allowed as it affects tourism sector, Mr Pole said.
Besides, he said there has to be uniform and fixed rates for services at every tourist destination to stop “fleecing” of tourists.
Div Com enjoined on the officers that rates for all services should be displayed at tourist places including telephone numbers to be used by tourists for registering complaints.
Meanwhile, Div Com directed Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal to make proper arrangements to address issues of electricity, firewood and communication system at Sonmarg to make it functional during the winters.
