Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 30: The hoteliers and traders today accused the Government of neglecting Valley’s commercial hub – Lal Chowk – and presented a series of demands that include uninterrupted power supply in winters and restoration of drainage system.
“Lal Chowk has faced neglect. We are backward in tourism and trade. The Government should address the issues faced by us and work for this historic business hub’s upliftment,” Siraj Din, chairman of newly formed Association of Hotel and Restaurant Operators of Lal Chowk (AHROL), told reporters at a function here.
Siraj said the hoteliers and traders in Lal Chowk are facing multiple issues that include of hygiene and parking.
Siraj claimed that the commercial activities in Lal Chowk have minimized over the past few years due to various factors. “The Sadder Court and other Government offices have been shifted from Lal Chowk and as a result the business has faced setback,” he said.
Presenting a series of demands to government, Siraj said: “Our first demand is that the Government should provide 24 hours of uninterrupted power supply to Lal Chowk in winters because tourists are not used to power cuts. Secondly, the government should take steps to ensure connectivity to Valley throughout the winter. You saw how fog halted even air traffic. So, we want that the connectivity should remain intact.”
Siraj said “we have plans” for Lal Chowk and will soon approach authorities. He also sought the cooperation of local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Syed Altaf Bukhari, who is also Cabinet Minister. “The local MLA himself lives in Lal Chowk and he should also address all these issues,” he added.
On the occasion, Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) chairman Muhammad Yasin Khan extended support to the demands of the Lal Chowk traders and hoteliers.
He said the drainage is major issue in Lal Chowk and a single day of rain causes waterlogging in its markets.
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