Traffic, tourism, business infrastructure among top priorities discussed in extensive meeting

SRINAGAR: The Executive Committee of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) held an extensive meeting with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Mr. Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, at the Chamber office on May 29. The meeting was also attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Muzaffar Shah, and KCCI President, Javed Ahmad Tenga, along with leaders from various trade associations.
The agenda covered a broad spectrum of issues affecting the region, including:
Market and Road Conditions: Challenges in Polo View Market, Residency Road, Lal Chowk, and Hari Singh High Street.
Parking and Traffic Management: The increasing traffic congestion, non-functional drainage systems, and dearth of well-maintained public washrooms.
Infrastructure and Public Services: Problems with public transport, smart city projects, fire fighting systems, and footpath conditions.
Tourism: Arrangements for Amarnath Yatra, restrictions on tourist movement, and renewal of tourism-related licenses. Issues related to tourist pick-up/drop facilities, repairs and reconstruction permissions for the hospitality sector, and the carrying capacity of tourist destinations.
Business Environment: Ease of doing business, the single-window system, handicraft and export issues, and the quick allotment of warehousing space.
Environmental Concerns: Conservation of natural resources, the status of wetlands, solid waste management, and flood prevention measures.
Tourism Operations: Setting up a joint tourism consultative committee for smoother operations, and the impact of footpath occupations on shop accessibility.
SSP Traffic, Mr. Muzaffar Shah, announced that automatic traffic signals would soon be operational, which is expected to streamline traffic movement. He acknowledged the significant increase in on-road traffic and the city’s parking issues, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions.
Divisional Commissioner Mr. Vijay Kumar Bidhuri took note of the issues raised and requested a detailed report from the KCCI. He mentioned the government’s initiatives, such as floating tenders for water transport operations in Jhelum and Dal Lake, to alleviate traffic woes. He assured the attendees that the concerns discussed would be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
The KCCI President and his team expressed their gratitude to the Divisional Commissioner and SSP Traffic for their attention to these matters. They thanked them for considering KCCI’s requests and for visiting the KCCI office, which has a legacy of 100 years as the 4th oldest Chamber of Commerce in India.

KR Desk