Kashmir’s Hospitality Under Siege: A Cry Against Airport Parking Extortion
By: Javid Amin
The once-serene landscapes of Kashmir, renowned for their breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality, are now under an unexpected threat. A recent, arbitrary change in the Srinagar Airport’s parking policy has ignited a firestorm of protest, with the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) leading the charge against what it terms “extortionate” charges and “inconvenience” to tourists, travelers, and locals alike.
A Mountain of Grievances
The KCCI has leveled serious accusations against the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for imposing a new parking system without considering the far-reaching consequences. The chamber has highlighted the following key issues:
- Arbitrary Charges: The KCCI claims that the new parking fees are exorbitant and unjustified, placing an undue burden on both commercial and private vehicle owners.
- Harassment and Inconvenience: The implementation of the new system has led to long queues, traffic congestion, and increased waiting times for travelers, eroding the state’s reputation for hospitality.
- Disregard for Promises: Despite assurances from the AAI to address the concerns raised by the KCCI, the situation has only worsened, with complaints pouring in from various quarters.
- Negative Impact on Tourism: The new parking policy is seen as a major deterrent to tourism, a sector that is crucial for Kashmir’s economy.
- Violation of ‘One Nation, One Policy’: The KCCI argues that the discriminatory parking policy in Kashmir is at odds with the government’s broader policy of uniformity across the country.
A Toll on Tourism
Kashmir, after decades of turmoil, is experiencing a resurgence in tourism. The region’s pristine natural beauty, coupled with the warmth of its people, has drawn visitors from across the globe. However, the new airport parking policy threatens to undo these gains.
Commercial transporters, who play a vital role in the tourism industry, are particularly affected. The imposition of a toll post beyond the security checkpoint has made it financially unsustainable for them to operate, potentially leading to a reduction in services. This, in turn, will impact tourists who rely on these services for transportation.
Moreover, the long queues and traffic congestion caused by the new system are creating a negative image of Kashmir as a tourist destination. Word-of-mouth is powerful, and negative experiences can deter potential visitors.
A Call for Action
The KCCI has demanded the immediate removal of the toll post and restoration of the previous parking policy. It has also called for a thorough review of the entire parking system to ensure it is fair, transparent, and convenient for all stakeholders.
The chamber has urged the AAI to prioritize the interests of tourists and local residents over revenue generation. It has also appealed to the government to intervene and resolve the issue promptly.
Conclusion
The airport parking issue is more than just a matter of inconvenience; it is a test of the government’s commitment to the people of Kashmir and the tourism industry. By addressing this issue promptly and effectively, the authorities can send a strong message that the well-being of the people and the economy are their top priorities.
The KCCI’s stance is clear: the new parking policy is a step backward and must be reversed. It is time for the government to listen to the concerns of the people and take corrective action.
NO:KCC&I/EXP/08/2024/ 4010 17th August, 2024 Press Release
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has strongly opposed the Arbitrary change of Airport Parking policy causing extra burden , inconvenience and harassment to tourists, travellers and local people. KCCI in its latest communication invited the attention of the Airport Authority to the undesirable new Airport Vehicle Entry/parking system introduced at the Srinagar Airport some time ago. It reminded Director AAI about The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) the meeting held with him on 5th August, 2024. The matter of arbitrary charges and harassment caused to commercial as well as private vehicles was discussed in detail. Further, KCCI in its meeting held on 6th August, 2024 sought the intervention of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir who assured of his support in arriving at a resolution of the controversy. The KCCI believed that the matter of multiple entry / parking charges had been partly resolved. It was assured that the remaining issues of entry/ parking / exit would be further addressed after the Independence Day Celebrations were over. However, it has been noticed that the problem has only worsened with KCCI receiving numerous complaints from commercial operators as well as private travellers against the unjustified and arbitrary charges being forcibly recovered. despite the assurances to the contrary. The KCCI had demanded and again repeats its demand that the newly installed Toll Post be removed at once. The un-called for long wait and traffic jam cause huge inconvenience to tourists. Business and private travellers, moreover, in view of the tourism activity having revived after many decades of lull. The new policy is earning us a bad reputation because such system nowhere else exists. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has received reports that in case the issue of drop time was not reviewed it would not be possible for commercial transporters to continue their services beyond Gate No 1 / Security Check Gate. Similar, sentiments are being expressed by local travellers. KCCI believes that It is unheard of in any part of the country or the World that a toll post beyond a parking area exist. Why and under what circumstances the toll post has been put in place is baffling. The KCCI believes that “One Nation One Policy” applies to the whole of India but why a different undesirable Parking policy has been adopted in Kashmir is not only discriminatory but undesirable as well. The KCCI demands that the newly introduced policy be forthwith withdrawn and the policy that existed previously restored at the earliest otherwise it will be termed as a “KASHMIR ENTRY CESS” KCCI is hopeful about the issue getting resolved at the earliest.
Faiz Ahmad Bakshi
Secretary General
