Naveed Ul Haq
Budgam, Dec 4: The Tourism Department has evacuated tea stall owners operating in various locations of Doodhpathri, asking them to conduct their business from a single designated area near the toll post.
The decision has drawn criticism from the stall owners, who held a protest against the move, claiming that it affects their livelihoods.
“We were earning for our families by selling tea and Kashmiri roti without harming the environment. Relocating us to a particular site will make it difficult for us to sustain,” a protester said.
The vendors also alleged that no recent prior evacuation notice was served to them and have urged the administration to reconsider the move to resolve their grievances.
However, CEO Doodhpathri, Riyaz Ahmad justified the action, citing illegal operations by the stall owners.
“Many families were involved in multiple trades such as horse riding, ATV rentals, and tea selling, which was unfair to others. The department aims to implement a ‘one family, one trade’ policy for fairness,” he said.
He assured that a meeting with service providers is planned to address these concerns, adding that the newly allocated area near the toll post offers sufficient space for the vendors to operate.
The department has clarified that no stalls will be allowed at unauthorized locations to ensure a better experience for tourists and sustainable management of resources.
