Srinagar, Nov 17: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) office bearers team led by its President Javed Ahmad Tenga met the Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha , at Raj Bhawan.
In a statement issued KCCI said it apprised the LG about the recent house boat fire incident causing loss of crores and unfortunate loss of lives.
“The LG’s attention was drawn to the diminishing number of houseboats from 1200 to about 850 during the past few decades which, if the serious problems faced by stakeholders are not addressed on a war footing, poses existential threat to this Globally known unique Heritage product. The fact is that as many as 25 houseboats were destroyed in massive fires between 2018 & 2023. Moreover, 207 were damaged/destroyed due to storms, drowning and other natural calamities between 2009 and 2023.The permissions from concerned authorities for their repairs, renovation & reconstruction are still awaited,” reads the statement.
KCCI sought immediate relief and rehabilitation, permission for reconstruction of Houseboats under a single window system immediately keeping in view the impending severe weather conditions.
Meanwhile, President KCCI extended the invitation to the LG requesting him to visit The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce exhibition venue at IITF on the occasion of “Kashmir Divas” being celebrated at the IITF, Pragati Maidan on 18th of November, 2023.
KCCI also requested the LG to impress upon the Jammu & Kashmir Bank to announce another OTS Scheme at MSME Level which would cover borrowers with loans above 50 lacs.
The KCCI informed the LG that more than 40000 pilgrims travel for Umrah but there is no direct flight from Srinagar to Jeddah. He was requested to use his good offices to help and facilitate the operation of flights direct between Srinagar and Jeddah which would be a major relief for Umrah pilgrims.
The LG assured KCCI that the issues raised by them will be positively considered. The President KCCI thanked the LG for his continued guidance and support to KCCI.
