Srinagar, December 05: The Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) today held a pivotal Executive Meeting in Srinagar, also joined by Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani.
The session focused on strengthening Kashmir’s tourism ecosystem, protecting fragile environmental assets and improving public utilities essential for sustainable development.
CCIK presented key issues impacting the tourism and hospitality sector, particularly the provision of timber for houseboat repairs, a longstanding demand crucial for preserving Kashmir’s heritage tourism.
The Chamber also emphasised the need to diversify Kashmir’s tourism offerings through ecotourism, adventure tourism, and the development of eco-friendly resorts and luxury camping facilities in forest zones.
The Chamber urged the Government to streamline the single-window clearance system for Pollution Control Committee approvals.
CCIK stressed that existing multi-tiered approval processes have become a major bottleneck in the execution of tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure projects.
A simplified, time-bound mechanism, they noted, would significantly improve compliance and enhance the investment climate.
Addressing public utility challenges, CCIK drew attention to the irregular water supply faced by hoteliers in Pahalgam, compounded by limited tanker services.
The Chamber appealed to the Hon’ble Jal Shakti Minister to intervene and ensure reliable water availability across key tourist destinations, particularly during peak seasons.
Environmental conservation dominated the discussions, with CCIK expressing serious concern over the deteriorating condition of Dal, Nigeen, Wular, Anchar, and other wetlands.
The Chamber called for a comprehensive cleanup drive and strict, encroachment-free protection measures, while requesting formal inclusion in all Government-led consultations on water resource management.
Special attention was drawn to the worsening state of Babademb Lake, for which CCIK demanded immediate restoration and long-term conservation action.
To enhance Kashmir’s tourism appeal, CCIK proposed branding the region as a premier wedding destination, leveraging its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The Chamber also sought a review of entry fee structures at Aru and other tourist sites to ensure that pricing remains competitive and visitor-friendly.
Responding to the extensive submissions, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana and Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani assured the business community that all genuine concerns would be addressed in a time-bound and priority-driven manner.
They reaffirmed Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, safeguarding ecological assets, and strengthening public service delivery to guarantee a safe and enriching experience for visitors.
Minister Rana reiterated that the Government would take every possible measure to upgrade tourism facilities, bolster environmental protection efforts, and improve the overall service ecosystem in Kashmir.
The meeting was chaired by CCIK President Tariq Ghani and attended by office bearers and key members including Hussan Khan, Dr. Imran, Aatif Khan, Aijaz Khan, Ashiq Bhat, Zubair, and Umar Jan Wani.
Sector-specific concerns were raised by representatives from the houseboat, travel, hospitality, and handicraft sectors.
Industry leaders Manoor Paktoo (Houseboats), Wahid Malik (SKAL), Akram Siah (Travel Trade), Baber Chowdary (JKHARA), and Mudasir (Handicraft Sector) also participated in the deliberations.
Officials from the PHE, I&FC, Tourism, and Forest Departments were present to note the concerns and provide departmental insights.
