Srinagar , March  21:(KNS)  Kashmir Trade Alliance(KTA) during its meeting with  Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Ijaz Asad  Highlighted increase in  Covid cases, dilapidated condition of roads, unavailability of electricity and repeated closure of Srinagar-Jammu highway and said traders were facing difficulties and problems.

 A delegation led by Kashmir Trade Alliance President  Ajaz Shahdhar told the  Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and District Development Commissioner  Srinagar during the meeting that there were fears of adverse effects in the valley as a result of the  Covid wave.

"Administration should intensify their efforts to implement the SOPs and implement the guidelines."Shahdar said

He said  that the traders had already suffered a lot as a result of last year's Covid wave, and if the wave spreads again, the traders would not be in a position to lock down.  They demanded  that the administration should play its role in dealing with this issue strictly. He also advised the people especially the traders to wear masks and not allow such buyers to enter the shops without  wearing masks.

The delegation led by Ajaz Shahdhar, while mentioning the dilapidated condition of roads in Srinagar and other places, informed the  Divisional Commissioner Kashmir that Due to  snowing in winter, potholes in the roads have increased, as a result of which the traders are facing losses. Referring to the poor condition of footpaths, The Delegation said that shoppers were reluctant to come to the shops, while shopkeepers were already facing losses due to lack of parking facilities.

 Shahdar said that due to non-functioning of street lights in other places including bazaars, shopping has also stopped in the evening shopping, while their repairs have become inevitable in view of the possibility of tourists coming to the valley in the spring season. Mentioning the problems and losses faced by traders and industrialists due to repeated closure of Jammu Highway, he said that while the closure of this highway increases air fares, it is also a major hurdle in the way of non-delivery of supplies on time.

The delegation also raised the issue of traffic jamming on the roads. Meanwhile, mentioning the problems faced by the people due to shortage of meat in the bazaars, Shahdar asked the  Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Deputy Commissioner Kashmir to Even after fixing the prices of meat by the government, butchers still sell meat at extra prices, while there is an artificial shortage of meat. He demanded action against those butchers. He said It Needs to be organized so that the mutton mafia can be eradicated.

Shahdhar said that  Divisional Commissioner PK Pole listened to the problems faced by the traders with satisfaction and assured that the legitimate demand would be resolved on priority basis. He said that the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir informed the Chief Engineer on the occasion to ensure power supply so that the problems of traders can be solved.  KTA extended a warm welcome to Ijaz Asad on assuming his portfolio as Deputy Commissioner in Srinagar. The delegation also included Mahand Singh, Tanveer Khan, Shabir Shaal Fayaz Ahmed and Abdul Majeed.(KNS0