Promote tourism, deal with traffic problem
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 5: Strongly criticising State Government for effecting unscheduled power cuts and announcing three times hike in the water tariff, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Jammu has demanded to improve the electricity supply system and review its decision of water tax, ensuring a reasonable hike.
Addressing a press conference here after taking charge of new body of the Chamber, elected last week, its president Y V Sharma said immediately after the Darbar Move from winter capital here, the PDD authorities have commenced unscheduled power curtailment. He said the supply position was good when the winter secretariat was here. He said power supply is the basic need of the trader and the industrialist besides other consumers, it may effect their daily life and routine work. He urged the Government to ensure better supply of electricity, as people from this region are contributing in better way towards the revenue being generated on account of electricity.
Referring to the recent exorbitant hike announced in the water tariff by the PHE authorities, the Chamber president said that three times hike was unjustified and will put extra burden on the public. “Our’s is a welfare State and the Government must review its decision’’, Mr Sharma said adding that a reasonable hike be given in this regard.
Mr Sharma stressed that Government must give more attention towards raising tourism infrastructure in Jammu region. He said a large number of pilgrims visit Mata Vaishnodevi, Shiv Khori and Shri Amarnath shrine every year. More infrastructure is needed to be raised at main pilgrim centers in Jammu including Sukrala, Purmandal, Utterwahni, Sarthal, Sudhmahadev Gouri Kund, Patnitop and Dera Baba Bandda Bahadur. He said the train will be reaching Katra within one year and pilgrims would go directly there. It will cause impact on business activity in Jammu. To attract pilgrims to Jammu, the work on Mubarik Mandi Heritage Project, Gandola project from Mubarak Mandi to Mahamaya, Environment Park at Mahamaya, Tawi beautification, creation of artificial lake over Tawi etc. be expedited. Jammu-Suchetgarh-Silakote and Nowshera-Mirpur roads should also be opened for trade and tourists on the pattern on Wagha in Punjab, he maintained.
While referring to growing traffic congestion in Jammu, CCI chief said that roads be widened, more flyovers be created and traffic signals system be established at main chowks besides creating new parking spaces. Work on flyovers at Jewel Chowk, Bikram Chowk and Rehari Chowk be taken up on priority. There is need to create sub ways at many busy areas for the public. The General Bus Stand be remodeled and upgraded by converting it into a multi-storied one.
Chamber president further demanded that during Amarnath Yatra land row, Jammu businessmen had suffered huge losses for about 3 months and the Government had agreed to compensate them. The Government backed out of its promise. He demanded that Government must honour its commitment. He also demanded extension in the Income Tax exemption, extension of Central packages to J&K industry, development of infrastructure for industry, improvement of roads, lanes and drains at Transport Nagar, Fruit and Sabzi Mandi besides creation of more Ware Houses.
Secretary General Arun Gupta also projected the demands of traders and industrialists and urged the DyCM to take up issues regarding better facilities at these places after taking on the spot assessment there. He referred to the harassment to traders by Employees State Insurance Corporation officials and resented directing retailing of Best Price Shop in Jammu thus effecting local small businessmen. Other members of the Chamber including Sham Lal Langar, Anil Gupta, Deepak Aggarwal and B B Gupta were also present.
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