KCCI Participates in 57th Indian Handicraft Gift Fair in Delhi

KCCI Participates in 57th Indian Handicraft Gift Fair in Delhi

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) is participating in the 57th Indian Handicraft Gift Fair (IHGF) AUTUMN-2023 at Greater Noida, New Delhi. The fair started on October 12 and will continue till October 16, 2023. The fair is being organised under the auspices of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Ten members of the KCCI are participating in the fair. The exhibition was inaugurated by officials of the Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts. A special feature of the exhibition is the participation of artisans representing…

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Kashmir experiences first major rains of autumn season

Kashmir experiences first major rains of autumn season

The weather turned cloudy in the afternoon with mild to heavy rains in the evening, particularly in central and north Kashmir areas The first major rains of the autumn season lashed parts of Kashmir on Monday as a Western Disturbance hit the region, bringing down the temperatures. The weather turned cloudy in the afternoon with mild to heavy rains in the evening, particularly in central and north Kashmir areas. The region witnessed dusty winds after weeks of mostly dry weather. “The rainfall has started across Kashmir and a few parts…

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Delhi-Amritsar Expressway: A Game Changer for Kashmir’s Connectivity and Economy

Delhi-Amritsar Expressway: A Game Changer for Kashmir's Connectivity and Economy

In a significant development, the Delhi-Amritsar Expressway, set to open next year, is poised to transform the connectivity landscape of northern India. This modern marvel of infrastructure promises to reduce travel time from Delhi to Srinagar to a mere nine to ten hours, a prospect that has ignited hope and excitement throughout the region. A Boost to Kashmir’s Economy The news of this expressway’s impending inauguration is nothing short of music to our ears. The prospect of traveling from the heart of Delhi to the enchanting beauty of Srinagar in…

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World’s highest rail bridge in Reasi to get a new lease of life as tourist destination

World's highest rail bridge in Reasi to get a new lease of life as tourist destination

Soon to be a tourist spot, world’s highest rail bridge in J&K’s Reasi is 35m higher than Eiffel Tower in Paris; forms crucial travel link from Katra to Banihal The world’s highest steel arch rail bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district, Jammu is being developed as a tourist spot with authorities calling for necessary measures for increasing the visitors’ footfall, officials said on Sunday. The 1.3-km rail bridge located 359 metres above the riverbed — 35 metres higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris — forms a…

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Preserving a Forgotten Treasure: The Gufkral Caves and the Ancient Potter’s Legacy in South Kashmir

Preserving a Forgotten Treasure: The Gufkral Caves and the Ancient Potter's Legacy in South Kashmir

By: Surinder Singh Oberoi In the idyllic landscapes of Tral, south Kashmir, a hidden gem from ancient times languishes in a treasure trove of history and culture the Gufkral Caves, nestled within the old-fashioned Gufkral village. It also witnesses the passage of time and the enduring legacy of eighteen potter families spanning generations. It is a saga of resilience and heritage now overshadowed by neglect, slowly crumbling as we endeavour to revive the ancient arts and crafts. The village’s cultural and historical significance deserves to be resurrected from oblivion and…

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Winter Wonderland: Gulmarg Receives First Snowfall of the Season

Winter Wonderland: Gulmarg Receives First Snowfall of the Season

Gulmarg is one of the most incredible tourist destinations famous for its eye-catching view during the snowfall season as well as the season of Lupine flowers. World-famous tourist destination Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, is now witnessing the first snowfall of the season as the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas located here adorns itself with the fresh snowfall. Gulmarg is one of the most incredible tourist destinations famous for its eye-catching view during the snowfall season as well as the season of Lupine flowers, which usually begins from mid-June…

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Pahalgam’s tourism carrying capacity exceeded, leading to environmental degradation and social disruption

Pahalgam's tourism carrying capacity exceeded, leading to environmental degradation and social disruption

Pahalgam’s environment and culture under threat from tourism By : Javid Amin Pahalgam, nestled in the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, has long been renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its lush mountains, meandering rivers, and verdant forests have made it a favored tourist destination. However, in recent years, Pahalgam has encountered a host of challenges, primarily centered around environmental degradation and the growing issue of overtourism. Foremost among these challenges is environmental degradation, stemming from several interconnected factors. Deforestation, driven by logging and land clearance, poses a…

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Airfare from Kashmir to Increase as Airport Development Fee Hikes

Airfare from Kashmir to Increase as Airport Development Fee Hikes

Travelers flying from Srinagar can expect higher costs from next month as the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has given the green light for a phased increase in aeronautical charges and User Development Fees (UDF). AERA is a regulatory agency under the Government of India (GoI) that regulates tariffs and other expenditures and fees for major airports. It is a statutory body constituted under the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008. The Airport Authority of India proposed an increase in UDF but after taking various opinions under consideration, AERA…

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Kashmirites to get all-weather train service from November

Kashmirites to get all-weather train service from November

Kashmir’s all-weather train, known as Vistadome coach, is all set to chug this November, which would give a further boost to the tourism industry here, officials said. An official from Northern Railways told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Ministry of Railways has greenlit the deployment of the Vistadome coach train on the Baramulla to Banihal railway track. “The announcement follows a successful trial run of the Vistadome coach, which has solidified its readiness for service,” the official said. He said the Vistadome coach (train) is expected to start…

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Srinagar Properties, Heritage sites to be tagged with Unique IDs: Divisional Commissioner

Srinagar properties, heritage sites to be tagged with unique IDs: Divisional Commissioner

Unique Identification Numbers for Every Property and Heritage Site in Srinagar The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, VK Bidhuri, has announced that a Unique Identification Number (UIN) will be assigned to every house, street, and heritage site in the Srinagar district. This initiative is part of the Smart City Project, which aims to make Srinagar a more efficient and livable city. The UINs will be used to streamline identification processes for both individuals and authorities. For individuals, the UINs will make it easier to access government services, such as getting a…

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