Overcharging, exploitation of tourists in Kashmir will not be allowed: Pole

JJ CORRESPONDENT
Srinagar, Oct 18: Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday warned the people indulging in the exploitation of tourists by charging exorbitant rates during their stay will be dealt with severely.
“The overcharging and exploitation of tourists by Transporters, Hoteliers and Pony wallas shall not be allowed as it affects the tourism sector”, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole said this while chairing a meeting on fixation of rates here.
He said, there has to be uniform and fixed rates for services at every tourist destination to stop fleecing of tourists.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ananatnag and CEOs of Gulmarg Development Authority, Sonmarg Development Authority and Pahalgam Development Authority through video conferencing and Additional Commissioner Kashmir, Managing Director JKTDC and other officers.
Pole impressed upon the officers that rates for transport vehicles, hotels and ponies need to be fixed permanently and uniformly to check the overcharging of tourists. “Reasonable rates shall only be charged from tourists to address the complaints received from tourists regarding overcharging” he added.
In this regard a meeting will be convened soon to fix the rates for vehicles, hotels, ponywalas, snow scooters and alternate vehicles.
He directed officers that rates for all services should be displayed at tourist places including telephone numbers used by tourists for registering complaints. UNI