Spring, the season that is full of life and activity, is knocking at the doors of Kashmir valley after a harsh Winter. The winter has been and continues to remain tough for the people of the Valley. The weather took its toll as the snowfall in the first week of November last year played havoc with Kashmir’s fruit industry. The fruit growers suffered losses of billions of rupees. Though there were some reports suggesting that the UT administration has started some process of compensation, the execution was as usual been bit lethargic. Then the worst power scenario too troubled the people here and constant closure of Srinagar-Jammu Highway, the fair weather road that connects the Valley with rest of the country, resulted into shortage of essentials thus resulting into sky rocketing of the prices of essentials. Due to internet closure and uncertain situation, the businesses of all kinds took a hit and sectors affiliated with tourism industry suffered huge losses.
Now that the very thought of arriving Spring gives some hope to the people, the UT administration need to move beyond promise making and start delivering on the ground. The process of development has remained halted for several months and it needs to be given a push. The roads in all parts of the Valley are in very bad shape and the administration needs to gear up to mend these roads. This is a serious issue because smooth and comfortable surface communication is not only necessary for commuters, medical emergencies and students, it is very vital for the businesses thus for economy. Health sector too needs special attention so does the power sector. On one hand the authorities are keen to invite investors to the Valley, on the other hand if they fail to supply electricity 24×7, how would big businesses be comfortable investing here. The UT administration needs to gear up, prioritize the development and start working efficiently and in a transparent manner. Kashmir needs an economic boost as following August last year almost all sectors have suffered heavily. UT administration, in collaboration with union government, need to devise economic and developmental police and execute them without wasting any further time.
