Aadil Dar
Srinagar, May 16 (KNS): Traders and others associated to Gulmarg tourism industry on Saturday appealed Lieutenant Governor to take concrete steps for tourism infrastructure in famous ski resort Gulmarg and demanded comprehensive relief package for people associate with the trade as industry has faced a huge brunt since August 2019 including abrogation of Article 370 and Covid-19 lockdown.
According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), hundreds of personnel associated with tourism in famous ski resort Gulmarg are facing tough times during this lockdown as their lone source of income has unfortunately received back to back jolts after August 2019.
Hoteliers, pony walas, dhabawalas, restaurants, shopkeepers, guiding personnel, labours are completely shattered as Covid-19 pandemic has hit the Valley two months ago. The imposition of lockdown across aimed to prevent the spread of virus but on the other hand this industry has completely given up before the challenges hit since last year.
It is pertinent to mention that Union Government prior to abrogating special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 on August 2019 issued multiple advisories wherein national and international tourists were asked to leave J&K immediately. Later on authorities imposed preventive restrictions for maintenance of law and order which continued for more than seven months, although as Valley had started to resume trade and business, it witnessed another jolt in shape of Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile Traders, Hoteliers and other Unions of Gulmarg appealed Lieutenant Governor Administration to announce a comprehensive relief package for them and take effective measures for rebuilding tourism infrastructure so that the lost glory of this tourist destination is restored. (KNS)