discuss a range of pressing issues concerning the business and trading community across the Valley
Srinagar: A delegation of the Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) today called on Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, to discuss a range of pressing issues concerning the business and trading community across the Valley.
The KTA delegation comprised representatives from its affiliated bodies, including the Habba Kadal Traders Federation, Rambagh Traders Federation, and the LPG Counter Operators Welfare Union. Several prominent members of the trade fraternity were also part of the delegation.
KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar expressed gratitude to the Divisional Commissioner for granting a patient hearing to the concerns raised by the delegation. He stated that a key issue discussed during the meeting was the long-pending demand to make the old Habba Kadal bridge motorable to ease traffic congestion and facilitate smoother movement for traders and commuters.
The halting of vehicular movement on old Habba Kadal bridge has badly affected the livelihood of 400 shopkeepers. The Divisional Commissioner assured the delegation that necessary action on the matter would be taken.
The delegation also raised concerns regarding issue of road dividers from Natipora to Rambagh, which have been causing inconvenience to traders and affecting business activity. The Divisional Commissioner assured that the issue would be examined and appropriate measures taken.
Highlighting another critical concern, the delegation brought attention to the shortage of domestic LPG in Srinagar, triggered by the prevailing West Asia crisis. Under the banner of KTA, representatives of the LPG Counter Operators Welfare Union informed the administration that the suspension of LPG cylinder supplies for over a month has severely impacted their livelihood.
The members stated that authorized LPG counters, operating under an OTP-based distribution system, had been ensuring efficient and timely delivery of cylinders. However, the abrupt halt in supply—reportedly due to disruptions in the broader supply chain—has left hundreds of counter operators without work, pushing them into financial distress. The delegation urged the administration to intervene and restore regular supply at the earliest.
Additionally, the KTA stressed the urgent need for maintenance and repair of damaged smart city rprojects in various commercial areas, stating that the broken infrastructure poses risks to pedestrians and negatively impacts the overall business environment.
The Divisional Commissioner assured the delegation that all issues raised would be given due consideration and addressed on priority, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of the trading community.
Maninder Singh Bhasin, Mohd Yunis, Sajad Hyder, Imtiyaz Ahmad, Ajaz Ahmad Bisati, Tariq Amin Mir, M. Yousuf Sofi, Zahoor Ahmad Bisati, Niyaz Ahmed Khan, Mohd Shaban, Reyaz Ahmad Sheikh, Abdul Majid, and Javid Khan.
