The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir on Thursday chaired a meeting regarding fixation of rates for hotels, ponys, cabs, sledges etc at Sonnmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam tourist destinations.The meeting was attended by DC’s of Baramulla and Anantnag; ADC, Ganderbal; Managing Director, JKTDC; Director Tourism; Chief Executive Officers of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonnmarg Development Authorities and Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir.On the occasion, Div Com directed Deputy Commissioners to constitute committees and make proposals for fixation of rates for hotels, ponys, vehicles, sledges etc which should be notified within a week’s time.He also directed Director Tourism that rates which will be finally approved and fixed should be strictly implemented from 1st January, 2022 so that tourists do not have to face inconvenience or exploitation by anyone. Besides, he directed Director Tourism that rates shall be fixed quarter wise for year with maximum and minimum slabs. Div Com said the rates will be fixed for three year period with a fixed percentage of annual increase as per the market.He further added that the rates for hotels should be fixed according to the categorization of hotels so that the tourists will not be forced to bargain.More, he also directed for creation of single window clearance for camping and trekking with do’s and don’ts. In this regard, he directed officers to conduct the mapping of camping sites and trekking routes besides directed for displaying the rates on hoardings at camping sites, parking places , police stations and at other particular places for hotels, camping ponys, cabs etc.Meanwhile, Div also directed ADC Ganderbal to conduct the review of the facilities including water, electricity, etc at Sonnmarg as the tourist destination is going to be functional this winter season. He was also directed to submit the status report of facilities to the chair.
