Economic Distress Shadows Eid Celebrations in Kashmir Srinagar, March 28, 2025 – The festive season leading up to Eid-ul-Fitr in Kashmir, traditionally a time of joy and economic activity, has been overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of financial uncertainty. Traders and businessmen across the region are voicing serious concerns about an increasingly fragile economy that has left markets stagnant and livelihoods strained. Eid Festivities Dampened by Economic Woes Instead of bustling markets filled with shoppers, the streets of Kashmir are quieter than usual, reflecting a downturn in business activity. The…
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Business
KCCI Sounds Alarm: Mismanagement at Gulmarg Gondola Threatens Tourism Experience
KCCI Raises Alarm Over Mismanagement at Gulmarg Gondola Entry Points The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has highlighted severe mismanagement and chaotic conditions at the Gondola entry points in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, urging urgent administrative intervention to safeguard tourism and visitor safety. In a strongly worded communication addressed to key government officials, including the Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Mr. Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and MLA Gulmarg Mr. Farooq Ahmad, KCCI voiced concerns about the operational inefficiencies at this premier tourist…
Read MoreTraffic Violations Now Cost 10 Times More – What You Need to Know
New Motor Vehicle Fines 2025: Stricter Rules, Higher Penalties, and a Safer India By: Javid Amin Srinagar 19 March: The Indian government has taken a bold step in 2025 by implementing stricter traffic rules and significantly higher fines for violations. With the rising number of road accidents, reckless driving cases, and traffic rule violations, the authorities have decided to impose tougher penalties to ensure compliance and promote road safety. Starting March 1, 2025, offenders will face heavier fines, potential jail time, and community service for serious infractions. The new law…
Read MoreKashmir’s Iconic Tulip Garden Gears Up for Record-Breaking Visitor Footfall in 2025
The garden has an annual budget of around ₹3 crore with three-fourth of the amount going into buying fresh tulip bulbs from the Netherlands; it has played an important part in wooing tourists during the past few years Kashmir’s iconic (Asia’s biggest) Tulip Garden is all set to open for the public in the last week of March with over 17.5 lakh flowers of 74 tulip varieties to bloom gradually this season, officials said. Hectic preparations are underway with over 100 workers and gardeners working round the clock to ensure…
Read MoreGraded Meat System in Kashmir: A New Era of Consumer Choice
Kashmir Introduces Graded Meat System: Consumers Now Have Pricing Options In a significant move aimed at improving consumer choice and transparency, meat consumers in Kashmir can now purchase graded meat at varying prices. This new system, introduced by the local administration, categorizes meat into different grades based on quality, allowing consumers to make informed decisions while shopping. The Grading System Explained The newly implemented grading system divides meat into three categories: Super Grade A: Premium cuts sourced from young livestock weighing 13-15 kilograms. This grade is priced at ₹700 per…
Read More₹40 for 6 Minutes: The Hidden Toll of Srinagar Airport’s Parking Predicament – A Kashmir-Specific Crisis?
A Gateway Marred by Exploitation By: Javid Amin Srinagar’s Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, the primary aerial gateway to Kashmir’s stunning valleys and lakes, has become synonymous with frustration for travelers. Beyond its scenic vistas lies a growing scandal: systemic overcharging and harassment in its parking zones. While airports across India follow transparent, regulated fee structures, Srinagar stands out for allegations of arbitrary toll collection, sparking outrage among locals, tourists, and activists. This investigation uncovers the layers of exploitation, compares it to national standards, and proposes actionable solutions. 01. “My ₹2,000…
Read MoreReviving Hope: The Impact of Snowfall on Kashmir’s Tourism Industry
A Renewed Hope for Kashmir’s Tourism Industry Srinagar 03 March 2025 :In the past few weeks, Kashmir has experienced a much-anticipated snowfall, bringing a new wave of optimism to the region’s tourism industry. This snowfall has arrived after a prolonged dry spell that resulted in the cancellation of numerous bookings at popular winter tourist destinations. The fresh snow has reignited the enthusiasm of both tourists and local business owners who depend on tourism for their livelihood. The Impact of a Dry Winter on Kashmir’s Tourism An Unusually Dry Winter For…
Read MoreKashmir’s Air Connectivity Crisis: High Airfares Impact Residents and Tourists
Kashmir Airfares Hit Record Highs, Wallets Crash: A Deep Dive into the Crisis By: Javid Amin Srinagar, February 23, 2025 – Kashmir’s air connectivity crisis has worsened as airfare prices soar to record highs, surpassing even international travel costs. This trend has drawn criticism from parliamentary committees, business leaders, and affected travelers. As flights become increasingly unaffordable, local economies, tourism, and ordinary citizens bear the brunt of this crisis. Skyrocketing Airfare Prices: The Harsh Reality For travelers heading to Kashmir, flight costs have surged dramatically: Delhi to Srinagar: Rs 12,000…
Read MoreTourists Flock to Dal Lake for Shikara Rides and Houseboat Stays
Surge in Tourist Influx at Dal Lake Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar is witnessing a significant surge in tourist footfall. Travellers from across the country and beyond are flocking to experience its enchanting charm. Tourists are enjoying shikara rides to explore the inner parts of Dal Lake. The rise in tourism is boosting local businesses, benefiting houseboat owners, shikara operators, and handicraft sellers. Cozy houseboats, with their intricate woodwork and charming interiors, provide visitors with a memorable stay, while shikara operators guide them through the lake’s…
Read MoreOmar Abdullah Advocates for Regulated Investments to Safeguard Land and Create Jobs
Investments Must Be Regulated to Protect Land and Jobs: Omar Abdullah Srinagar, February 21, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday attended the Confederation of Indian Industry’s J&K Annual Session-2025 titled “Amazing J&K: Aspiring for new growth goals”. According to a spokesperson, the event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (J&K Council), brought together business leaders, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to discuss strategic actions to boost J&K’s economic growth and development, driving the region’s competitiveness and business potential through a robust and resilient industrial and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem.…
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