Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 23: A meeting of Association of Hotel and Restaurant Operators of Lal Chowk (AHROL) was held today with the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Asgar Samoon, regarding promotion and development of Lal Chowk and its surrounding areas.
Chairman of AHROL, Siraj Ahmad, in a statement issued here said various issues were discussed with Divisional Commissioner threadbare with regard to development of Lal Chowk.
The AHROL delegation told Divisional Commissioner that the Lal Chowk, which once used to be most prestigious and busiest commercial and tourist hub of the city, is ailing since decades for want of attention of the Government in regard to its overall development.
“Besides being nerve centre of the city, it has all rich historical, political, heritage, commercial and tourism values. With all its richness it is fast losing its sheen and glory as it has gone into absolute neglect,” said Siraj Ahmad.
“We observe that the Governments in all states utilize special and additional funds to preserve and promote such places of importance but here the story is altogether different and pathetic,” said AHROL chairman in its representation to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.
The AHROL suggested the Divisional Commissioner to take measures to take over the premises of inner side of the Lala Rukh Hotel to utilize it as mini Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) to facilitate the interested tourists which in turn will help to increase the foot fall of the tourists to the area.
Among other suggestions, the AHROL suggested the Divisional Commissioner to free the Palladium Cinema from police and CRPF and entire premises of the cinema should be converted into a green patch with the provision of ultra modern public convenience.
The AHROL also suggested the Divisional Commissioner to take steps to streamline the traffic in the Lal Chowk and free footpaths from the occupation of street vendors. It suggested the Government to improve hygienic conditions of the Lal Chowk.
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