Supporting affected traders

The back-to-back meetings and visits to the affected market in Sonamarg, a picturesque tourist destination in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district is definitely generating a hope amongst the shopkeepers and hoteliers, who suffered a massive loss in the recent fire incident in the market. Nearly 45 shops were reduced to ashes in the market a few days back after a massive blaze broke out in the area. The affected establishments include the hotels as well. However, since the back-to-back visits have been made to the affected spot, the fire-hit traders are expecting favourable financial assistance ahead of the new tourist season. The Chief Minister himself visited the spot Tuesday and reiterated his government’s commitment to assisting the affected traders and ensuring swift measures to prevent such incidents in the future. A high-level meeting with the Sonamarg Market Association, attended by senior officials, including the DC, SSP, SDM Kangan, CEO Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) and other district officers was also chaired later by him in which focus was laid on addressing the concerns of the traders, who put forth key demands such as immediate financial assistance, permission for building reconstruction and the establishment of a fire service station in Sonamarg. The Chief Minister emphasized that the reconstruction of shops must follow a well-planned design, developed in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Tourism Department, District Administration, and SDA. However, the government needs to pace up the process and ensure early assistance to the affected people so that they can complete the construction well ahead of the new tourist season, which will not only bring respite to them, but would also ensure a smooth journey for the visiting tourists as well.