Consequent upon the directions given by Lieutenant Governor, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan today convened a meeting for redressal of grievances of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Coordination Committee (KHARCC), which is a combination of three main registered Hotel and Restaurant Associations of Kashmir valley namely Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA), Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Federation (KHAROF) and Hoteliers Club (HC).Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal, Additional Inspector General (Registration) Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Director Tourism, Chief Engineer R&B, Commissioner SMC, VC LAWDA, Assistant Commissioner (central), Representatives of KHARCC and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.Detailed discussions were held on the issues faced by tourism fraternity and businessman associated with handicraft sector.It was informed that some hotels around Dal Lake need immediate repairs. Besides, recently concluded survey indicated that many hotels in the area lacking fire exit routes for which the hotels need to make requisite minor repairs.The Divisional Commissioner directed that Director Tourism, VC LAWDA, Senior Officer nominated by DC Srinagar to prepare separate lists of Hotels located around the periphery of Dal Lake–-seeking approval for immediate repair works and for making fire exit routes.
He said that same list should be submitted to the Divisional Commissioner’s office for its placement before the Apex Committee, which is headed by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and after its approval by Apex Committee, the cases will be submitted to the High Court for clearance. Regarding the restoration of Internet Services, the Divisional Commissioner directed Director Tourism to provide the list of Registered Hotel and Tour and Travel Associations with location where Internet Kiosk would be provided.Deputy Commissioner Srinagar was asked to identify registered handicraft with location and contact number in consultation with Handicraft department.Both the lists will be submitted through DC Office Srinagar for the restoration of Internet Services at the nominated locations of Associations, which will be monitored by the District Administration.The Association Members requested for immediate repair of Boulevard Road.In response to the demands of Association members for the repair of Boulevard road, the Chief Engineer R&B informed that for surfacing and macadamization work of Boulevard and Foreshore road, a DPR of Rs 6 crores has already been prepared.The Divisional Commissioner directed R&B that the surfacing work must be taken up immediately and completed within a fortnight. Rest of the major works must be started as and when weather improves.