Srinagar: Surge in COVID-19 cases has led to all the sectors getting hit once again. Educational institutions have been closed, markets have been directed to open in staggered manner and the arrival of tourists in Kashmir has declined.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The virus has once again raised its ugly head and it appears that the economy is all set to take a hit again this year. The cases are increasing at a rapid pace and the second wave is moving faster than the first one.”
He said, “During the past few months the economy was on its way to revival but now it seems that we may witness another debacle.”
“The outbreak of COVID-19 last year had wreaked havoc and it seems this year also we may end up witnessing a similar situation. All of us are caught in a quagmire of uncertainty and things may deteriorate if the curve doesn’t flatten.”
An observer said, “The business community in Kashmir has been facing losses since August 2019 and it seems agonies of business class won’t end so soon.”
He said, “If the COVID curve doesn’t flatten within a fortnight everything can come to a standstill once again. At present the priority is to save human lives. The government may have to once again intervene and direct the financial institutions to announce a moratorium on the repayment of loans.”
A businessman said, “We are still counting the losses that we suffered in 2019 and 2020 and if 2021 remains the same many of us will have to close down our ventures as the means of survival will get dried up. The government will have to come up with an outbox solution for our survival.”
A travel agent said, “This year we were expecting a huge rush of tourists as most of the hotels and resorts were booked but during the past few days many bookings have got cancelled.”
An owner of a private school said, “Most private schools are at the verge of closure and if the situation remains grim we may not be able to survive.”
An official said, “The situation is beyond our control and we cannot do much. But the government is monitoring the situation closely. No one will be left in the lurch. Our first priority at present is to fight the pestilence. If the situation worsens the government can give the concessions that were provided last year.”
COVID-19 resurgence hits tourism industry, closes schools, other businesses
