Katra Chamber urges DC Reasi to tackle water crisis

Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, May 31: A delegation of Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK), led by its president Raj Kumar Padha, today called on Deputy Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Paul Mahajan and projected pressing issues of the holy town Katra for redressal of the same.
Piyush Dhotra, SDM Katra; Jitender Singh Jasrotia, Tehsildar Katra; Nishant Gupta, SHO Katra were also present in the meeting.
CTTIK president emphasized the need for design and creation of Katra Town Development Document keeping in view of future development planning for 30 years for Katra town through some renowned consultancy agency. He highlighted the water crises, which the Katra town has been facing currently. Katra businesses have been facing acute shortage of water and unable to run their businesses smoothly, he said, adding that no concrete long-term policies have been framed keeping in view the increasing influx of yatries and other infrastructure every year.
“There is an urgent need to devise short term and long term plans in coordination with Jal Shakti Deptt and stakeholders to facilitate the smooth running of hospitality units of Katra town,” requested the Katra Chamber.
Delegation also discussed redevelopment of Katra town on modern lines by keeping the utilities like electric, WiFi and telephone wires underground, beautifying Ban Ganga road, Panthal road, Jammu road and Railway road; redevelopment and beautification of Shree Dhar Chowk, etc.
Shiv Kumar Sharma, president of Senior Citizens Welfare Forum, requested for the establishment of general STP for Katra town on the lines of Jammu and Srinagar cities and development of a residential colony for Katra inhabitants.
Chamber also sought the establishment of spiritual theme park and monumental temple at holy town Katra. Ajay Gupta, president Travel Agent Association of Katra, suggested the regulation of unregistered passenger cabs operating in Katra, auctioning of Rehari Zones in Katra town and regulation of Auto rickshaws.
DC Reasi gave a patient hearing to all the points and ensured his full cooperation and support. Office bearers of Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry Katra, present in the meeting, included Babu Ram Sharma, Dharun Sharma, Karan Vaid, Atul Sharma, Vivek Gupta and Neelam Singh.