Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 17: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) office bearers team lead by its president Javed Ahmad Tenga met the Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha, at Raj Bhawan on Thursday and discussed issues of the Kashmir Industry.
The KCCI, secretary general Faiz Bakshi and treasurer Zubair Mahajan were also present in the meeting. The KCCI apprised the LG about the recent gutting of 5 houseboats causing the loss of crores and unfortunate loss of lives. The LG’s attention was drawn to the diminishing number of houseboats from 1200 to about 850 during the past few decades which, if the serious problems faced by stakeholders are not addressed on a war footing, poses existential threat to this globally known unique heritage product.
The fact is that as many as 25 houseboats were destroyed in massive fires between 2018 & 2023. Moreover, 207 were damaged/destroyed due to storms, drowning and other natural calamities between 2009 and 2023. The permissions from concerned authorities for their repairs, renovation & reconstruction are still awaited. The LG was requested to order immediate following short & long term measures of relief and rehabilitation of the suffers.
They suggested that an immediate Relief and Rehabilitation be provided; permission for reconstruction of houseboats/ residential /service hutments under single window system be given keeping in view the impending severe weather conditions; supply of timber from State Forest Corporation on subsidized rates on Fast Track be provided to these victims and fire fighting services be upgraded in Dal and Nigeen Lakes.
KCCI also requested the LG to impress upon the Jammu & Kashmir Bank to announce another OTS Scheme at MSME Level which would cover borrowers with loans above 50 lakhs. The Scheme would enable the Bank to recover the money and the borrowers whose cases remained un-settled earlier to settle their accounts. It would send encouraging signals to the Business community.
The KCCI informed the LG that more than 30000 pilgrims travel for Umrah, particularly in winter months but there is no direct flight from Srinagar to Jeddah. He was requested to use his good offices to help and facilitate the operation of flights direct between Srinagar and Jeddah which would be a major relief for Umrah pilgrims.
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