Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, convened detailed deliberation with all trade and business organisations eliciting suggestions and input for revival of economic activity in a gradual manner under all precautions and solicited public cooperation for COVID containment measures in the city. The day long deliberations were aimed at finalising sectoral strategies and guidelines with Srinagar specific solutions ranged from striking a balance between economic activity, safeguarding livelihood and effective measures for containment of COVID spread with special focus on education and awareness among masses about preventive measures. The deliberations sessions were attended by heads and members of various trade and business organisations including Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, Sheher Khaas Traders and Manufacturing Association, Kashmir Economic Alliance, Nowgam Traders Association, Bakers Association, Bazar Committee Union, Koker Bazar, ll Kashmir Gold Association, South City Association, All Traders Transporters Joint Coordination Committee Kashmir, Batamalloo Traders Association, Iqbal Market Associations, Contractors Association, General Bus Stand Association, Panthachowk and Sonwar units of traders associations, J&K Tourism Alliance, Travel Agents Association, Hotel Associations, Indian Association of Tour Operators, Fruit Growers Association and others.
In his opening remains, DC Srinagar presented a detailed resume of COVID containment status in district measures in place. He expressed gratitude to the citizens of Srinagar for their active response to advisories aimed at containment. Highlighting the importance of striking a balance between containment efforts and securing livelihood for people, and also preparing the community for the new reality he solicited suggestions and inputs from trade and business organisations. Professionals from preventive and social medicine also discussed important precautions to be adopted.The heads and members of trade and business organizations discussed the issues threadbare and suggested a host of measures for consideration of District Disaster Management Authority for a gradual resumption of activity in select sectors and way forward for community mobilization aimed at ensuring every citizens adopts precautions as notified. They expressed gratitude to administration for soliciting such suggestions and active involvement of stakeholders in devising new guidelines.The business and trade heads projected a lot of suggestions including allowing economic activity sector wise, areas wise and proposed a weekly schedule in some cases. They also assured active engagement with local business community on the concerns of precautions, hygiene and social distancing measures. Sanitization of markets, mobility of shopkeepers, notification of areas, effective coverage, insurance issues, rental, expired stocks, sports activities, and several other points were discussed.DC Srinagar thanked the trade and business community for their resolve and commitment which will go a long way in making the way ahead smooth for both COVID containment and economic revival.