In Pahalgam, House committee assures stakeholders of steps to revive trade, tourism

The Indian Express has learnt that the committee took stock of the blow taken by the tourism-linked trade and commerce in the UT after the terror attack.

Officials said the TMC MP Dola Sen-led committee interacted with the members of traders’ association and Shopian fruit growers’ association on Tuesday. The locals brought to the notice of the panel how people lost their livelihoods in the absence of tourists post-Pahalgam attack.

It is learnt that after meeting the stakeholders, the committee unanimously decided to put across what needed to be done for the revival of tourism. The panel resolved to write to different Union ministries and the J&K government, suggesting steps to revive trade and commerce in the UT.

It is learnt that locals also highlighted the hardships in the wake of closure of the national highway for 17 days in the monsoon, and the committee members assured them of sending a representation to the Transport Ministry.

Tourism plays a vital part in the J&K economy with a large section of people depending on tourism-related activities for their livelihood. The Tourism sector contributes 7 per cent to Jammu and Kashmir’s overall gross state domestic product.

At a press briefing in Pahalgam on Tuesday, Dola Sen said: “The committee has decided to revive the commerce of J&K. We have to be a good catalyst.”

“We came here to find objective reality. We have heard from the people and we will prepare a report… We will raise the issues of the people with Union ministries and the state government departments,” she said. The committee also paid tributes to those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack and the Army personnel who lost their lives in the subsequent conflict with Pakistan.

“We are optimistic and confident that the Centre, state government and the people will overcome the effects of the attack. We will overcome it unitedly,” she said.

She said that the visit may not yield “immediate results”, but will work to mitigate the woes of the people in J&K.

Speaking to The Indian Express on Tuesday evening, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, who is a member of the committee, said: “Along with the Pahalgam incident, the floods have also impacted life in the Valley… People are devastated and need support. The highway closure has left businesses struggling… Post-Pahalgam, there has been a 90 per cent fall in (the number of) tourists. There are hardly any tourists here. There should be a quick response system to address the problems.”

The committee members will leave for Leh on Wednesday.