Srinagar: A delegation of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) led by its General Secretary, Farooq Amin today held a detailed meeting with Mohammed Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to allow reopening of restaurants in Srinagar with 50 percent capacity.
According to a statement issued here, President, Restaurant and Cafe Association of Kashmir (RAK), Sheikh Feroz also accompanied the delegation and apprised the authorities of the plight of the people of this industry which is on the verge of collapse. The sector which employs thousands of people and is a source of livelihood for thousands of families, the delegation urged authorities to allow reopening of restaurants and assured that proper Covid-19 SOP’s will be followed in order to contain the contagion.”
According to KCCI spokesperson, Restaurants and Café sector is facing a lot of difficulties due to the continuous lockdown. The delegation requested DC Srinagar, Aijaz Ahmad, to allow 50 percent reopening of restaurants so that the industry is revived. “There is a culture of visiting restaurants in Kashmir rather than take away and home delivery. The new norms have been dictated by the pandemic. However, the restaurants are witnessing brisk business despite advertisements of home delivery and take away options,” said KCCI spokesperson.
“Also, as the pandemic has receded and the tourists are returning to valley, they are also not able to explore and taste the Kashmiri cuisines served in these restaurants. According to KCCI spokesperson, DC Srinagar AijazAsad also gave patient hearing to the issues and acknowledged the difficulties and unemployment crisis of the sector,” the statement reads.