Katra hoteliers urge for the interference of Advisor, Secretary Tourism

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Shiv Kumar Sharma, former president, Hotel and Restaurant Association, Katra and a social activist, recently appealed to the Advisor to LG, UT, J&K Baseer Admed Khan and Sarmod Hafeez, Secretary, Tourism and Culture, J&K UT requesting them to resolve the issue experienced by the hoteliers, guest houses owners in UT as Tourism Department has abruptly stopped considering the registration as well as registration renewal of hotels and guest houses etc.

He clearly stated that registration should be made once on the pattern of Industries and other departments. By now, this matter has been discussed in meetings with higher authorities. However, for registration of new cases and renewal of existing licenses, the Tourism Department has observed that NOCs from Fire, Pollution Control Board is a pre-requisite. On the other hand, Fire and Pollution Control Board have their requirement to get hold of registration, renewal from Tourism Department before giving NOCs to the hotel and guest houses not only at Katra but in other parts of UT of J&K with the result that majority are functioning in the UT with no registration and renewal of certificates.

Additionally, Sharma explained that Tourism Department has started a TRC building construction at Jammu road Katra. However, its work has been stopped mid way. If the construction work of the structure is completed immediately, it would be in the best interest of the pilgrims of Mata Vaishnodevi shrine.

Sharma showed anxiety that the dues payable by the Tourism Department on account of celebrations of Navratra Festivals by various Katra committees are pending. He has urged the Department to pay off the pending dues right away so that further similar work is continued without any further delay.

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