A delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Inc) led by the President Mr. Javid Ahmad Tenga today met Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Advisor To His Excellency The Governor, Jammu & Kashmir at Srinagar. Issues relating to Tourism, Flood Control, Transport, Agriculture, Horticulture, Floriculture were discussed in detail. Mr. Javid Ahmad Tenga apprised the Hon’ble Advisor about the need to change the negative image of Kashmir being created by vested interests.
This campaign has caused tremendous losses to the Tourism and other allied sectors of our State economy. Several suggestions were put forward for the consideration of the Hon’ble Advisor to revive this sector. The KCC&I drew the attention of the Hon’ble Advisor towards the non-functioning first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola. The Chamber objected to the exorbitant air fares being charged which had made travelling out of bounds for the general public, students, patients and tourists.
The KCC&I urged for the creation of a corpus fund by the government for block purchase of tickets which would help in regulating the ticket prices. The Chamber welcomed the prompt response demonstrated by the State administration while responding to the threat of Floods on the 29th and 30th June, 2018. The Chamber suggested various short and long term measures for prevention and management of disasters included floods.
The Chamber expressed its concern over the haphazard manner in which the dredging had been carried out and the failure to increase water absorption capacity of various rivers, lakes as also the sewerage system, the KCC&I demanded accountability for time wasted and money spent which had put at risk the lives and properties of the general public.
The Chamber also suggested that the Shikaras kept for flood duty needed to be mounted with engines for being effective during floods. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry while appreciating the thrust of the government for bringing transparency and accountability.
In this regard the Transport Sector was discussed in detail. The KCC&I advised activation of the State Transport Authority for formulation of clear policies in consultation with stake holders. Identification of designated Auto / Taxi stands with proper regulation of fares was stressed upon by the Chamber.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry informed Hon’ble Advisor that the Chamber was planning to organize Seminar on the condition of Poultry Industry of Kashmir and on its challenges and potential in the first week of August, 2018. This Seminar would assist in formulation of policies of the Government which could transform this critical sector worth more than 1500 crores. Problems being faced by Agripreneurs regarding availability of root stocks, high interest rates charged by landing institutions.
Setting up of Horticulture Parks, Availability of Quarantine zones, Toll tax on agricultural machinery were also discussed. The creation of a Flower Centre on the lines of Dubai Flower Centre was also discussed. The Hon’ble Advisor while appreciating the inputs given by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry assured the delegation that effective follow-up action would be initiated on these issues.