SRINAGAR, JULY 24: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) delegation, led by President Javid Ahmad Tenga, met with Director General of Police (DGP) R.R. Swain on Tuesday to discuss critical issues affecting the business community and tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, which lasted for two hours, was attended by senior police officials, including Addl. Director General of Police (Headquarters) M.K. Sinha and Inspector General of Police (Traffic) B.S. Tuti. The KCCI delegation raised several key issues that have been plaguing the region, including the renewal of tourism registration licenses, development of new tourist destinations, lease cases of hotels, and NOC requirements from Fire & Emergency Services.
One of the major concerns raised by the KCCI was the cumbersome process of renewing tourism registration licenses, which has been affecting the hospitality and travel trade sectors. The delegation suggested that the renewals be made in a time-bound manner, independent of NOCs from other departments. The DGP assured that his department would take immediate action to simplify the process.
Another critical issue discussed was the development of new tourist destinations. The KCCI suggested that newly identified tourist destinations be developed on a fast-track basis, taking into consideration environmental impact assessments and climate change concerns. The DGP agreed to look into the matter and assured that the police department would provide necessary support.
The KCCI delegation also raised concerns about the lease cases of hotels, particularly in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, which have been pending for a long time. The DGP assured that he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities to resolve the issue.
Other issues discussed during the meeting included the requirement of character certificates for tourism sector owners, disruption of traffic during VIP movements, illegal occupation of footpaths, Qabza Mafia encroaching on citizens’ land, problems faced by the education sector, environmental conservation issues, lack of traffic management, free movement of trekkers and tourists, foreigners’ registration at airports, and vacation of industrial estates by security forces.
