Forest Minister, CM’s Advisor assure govt support for CCIK’s tourism, eco, service push

SRINAGAR : The Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) on friday held its executive meeting in Srinagar.
Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani attended the meeting.
The meeting focused on strengthening Kashmir’s tourism ecosystem, protecting fragile environmental assets and improving the public utilities essential for sustainable development.
The CCIK presented key issues impacting the tourism and hospitality sector including provision of timber for houseboat repairs, a long standing demand crucial for preserving Kashmir’s heritage tourism.
The Chamber emphasised the need to diversify Kashmir’s tourism offerings through ecotourism, adventure tourism and development of eco-friendly resorts and luxury camping facilities in forest zones. It urged the government to streamline the single-window clearance system for Pollution Control Committee approvals.
The CCIK highlighted that the existing multi-tiered approval processes have become a major bottleneck in execution of tourism, hospitality and infrastructure projects. It observed that a simplified and time-bound mechanism would significantly improve the compliance and enhance the investment climate.
Addressing the public utility challenges, the CCIK drew attention to the irregular water supply faced by the hoteliers in Pahalgam, compounded by limited tanker services. They appealed the 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. The Chamber demanded immediate restoration and long term conservation action on the worsening state of Babademb Lake.
To enhance Kashmir’s tourism appeal, the 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 their genuine concerns would be addressed in a time-bound and priority-driven manner.
They assured complete support from the present dispensation towards promoting sustainable tourism, safeguarding ecological assets and strengthening public service delivery to guarantee a safe and enriching experience for the visitors.
The Minister 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 the 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.
The officials from PHE, I&FC, Tourism and Forest Departments were present to note the concerns and provide departmental insights.