Srinagar, July 24: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) delegation, led by President Javid Ahmad Tenga, held a two-hour meeting with the Director General of Police (DGP) R.R. Swain at Police Headquarters here and discussed issues affecting business and tourism in the valley.
The meeting was attended by Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) M.K. Sinha (IPS) and Inspector General of Police (Traffic) B.S. Tuti (IPS). The KCCI team included prominent members such as Mushtaq Chaya, Faiz Bakshi, Umar Tibetbaqal, Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, Gowhar Maqbool, Mauzam Bakshi, Rauf Tramboo, Nasir Shah, Manzoor Wangnoo, Showkat Pakhtoon, Mohammed Arif, Noor Mohammad Shangloo, Suhail Jan, Farooq Kuthoo, Mohammad Ibrahim Siah, Sameer Baktoo, Farooq Hafiz, Mukhtar Ahmad (Jaan), and Syed Mohammad Afaq Qadri, the chamber said in a press release issued here.
During the meeting, several key issues requiring the attention of the government and the police department were discussed in detail:
Renewal of tourism registration licenses
The KCCI highlighted the challenges faced by the hospitality, restaurant, and travel trade sectors due to delays in renewing tourism registration licenses. The process is complicated by the need for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various departments, including Fire & Emergency Services, Pollution Control Committee, and local authorities. The KCCI suggested that renewals be processed in a time-bound manner, independent of NOCs from other departments, to streamline the procedure and support the “Ease of Doing Business” initiative.
Development of new tourist destinations
With increasing tourist footfall, the KCCI called for developing new tourist destinations on a fast-track basis, following approved master plans. This would aid in sustainable tourism development, create job opportunities, and ensure environmental conservation, it said.
Lease cases of hotels
The KCCI raised concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the extension of hotel leases, particularly in Gulmarg and Pahalgam. “The delay in extending leases, often due to legal and bureaucratic hurdles, has adversely affected the business and morale of hotel owners,” the KCCI said. It urged the government to extend these leases to support the hospitality sector.
NOC from Fire & Emergency Services
The KCCI requested a relaxation of norms for issuing NOCs from the Fire & Emergency Services department, suggesting that the process be made more flexible and time-efficient.
Character certificate for tourism sector
The requirement for obtaining character certificates for renewing tourism registration certificates was discussed. The KCCI suggested simplifying the process, possibly by empowering local police stations to issue these certificates.
Traffic disruptions due to VIP movements
The KCCI highlighted the inconvenience caused by traffic disruptions during VIP and non-VIP movements, including the indiscriminate use of sirens. They stressed the need for better traffic management to minimize public inconvenience.
Illegal occupation of footpaths
The issue of illegal occupation of footpaths, leading to business losses and pedestrian inconvenience, was raised. The KCCI called for action to clear these encroachments.
Encroachment by Qabza mafia
The KCCI expressed concerns over land encroachment by the Qabza Mafia, particularly in areas like Pahalgam, Srinagar, and Sonamarg. It urged the police to take strong action against these illegal activities.
Problems in the education sector
The KCCI discussed the challenges faced by educational institutions in obtaining necessary NOCs and character certificates, suggesting a more streamlined process.
Environmental conservation issues
The chamber highlighted the deteriorating condition of natural resources, particularly wetlands, lakes, and waste management. It called for urgent conservation efforts.
Traffic management in business areas
The KCCI discussed the lack of traffic management in key business areas like Shehre Khas and Boulevard. It suggested better management and reduced document checks for tourist vehicles.
Free movement of tourists
The KCCI raised the issue of tourists being stopped unnecessarily in areas like Tossamaidan, suggesting pre-notified restrictions if necessary.
Foreigners’ registration at the airport
The chamber discussed the “cumbersome process” of foreigner registration at the airport and suggested a one-time registration or an online option.
Vacation of industrial estates by security forces
According to the statement, the KCCI requested that security forces vacate industrial areas to allow for industrial growth, given the improved security situation.
“The DGP listened attentively and responded positively to many of the issues raised. He assured the KCCI that efforts would be made to improve traffic management, address the misuse of sirens, take action against the Qabza Mafia, and streamline the NOC process,” the chamber said, adding, “He (DGP) also proposed forming a joint committee with regular meetings to address ongoing issues and pledged to advocate for issues outside his department’s domain with the government.”
The KCCI team expressed gratitude to the DGP and his team for their time, patience and understanding of the issues discussed.
