Govt fixes tariff for services provided by tourist traders
The Tourism Department on Thursday fixed tariff rates for various services provided by the registered tourist traders across Kashmir at tourist destinations.
The fixation of rates has been put in the public domain by the Tourism Department after several complaints were received by the administration over the non-regulation of rates in respect of hotels, houseboats, taxis, shikaras and ponies at Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam and other tourist places.
Whereas, earlier this month the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P K Pole had directed officials to put rates proposed for hotels, restaurants, houseboats, ponies and taxis in the public domain through the website of the Tourism department.
Meanwhile, a notification of fixation of tariff rates for various services has been issued by the Director of Tourism, Kashmir G N Itoo for the year 2021-23. “In pursuance to the approval conveyed by the government vide endorsement dated 9th December 2021 as provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Registration of Tourist Trade Act 1987/82/2011 read with SRO dated 8th June 2012, the following structure is hereby notified for implementation”, the notification reads.
The rates have been fixed for tourist places which include Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Manasbal, Yousmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri and Aharbal.
Whereas, the rates of tourism services fixed by the tourism department includes Shikara rides at Dal Lake from different Ghats, Nigeen and Manasbal Lake. Pony rides at Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Yousmarg, Doodpathri and Ahrabal and photography.
It also includes tourist guides, ski guides, mountain, trekking guides, sledges, ski equipment, ice skating, ice skating equipment, rafting, cycling, zorbing, hydro zorbing, snowmobile, ATV, motorbiking, paragliding, motorboats, bathing boats, labour, helper, mazdoor, porter for trekking at high altitude, flat water rafting boating and paddleboat riding.
The service also includes bungee trampoline, mechanical mad-bull, golf cart ride, zip line, hot air balloon, battery-operated vehicles at Sonmarg one way and both ways. However, the notification does not mention the rates of hotel services at tourist destinations.
