Food Safety Department assures action against violators following complaints over high food and beverage prices.

Aqzar Raheel 

Ganderbal, June 2(KNZ/TMJ): Locals and tourists have expressed concern over the prices of food, fast food and beverages at several dhabas and restaurants along the Ganderbal-Kangan stretch in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

Residents alleged that the rates charged for various food items, including tea, coffee and meals, are significantly higher than those prevailing in nearby towns and markets.

“The rates of almost every item are lower elsewhere. Whether in Ganderbal town, Kangan or other areas, the prices at some of these dhabas and restaurants are much higher,” a local resident told Kashmir News Zone–The Media Journal.

Tourists travelling towards Sonamarg echoed similar concerns, claiming that while most eateries display rate lists, the prices mentioned on them are considerably high.

“The issue is not the absence of rate lists. They are displayed, but the rates themselves appear excessive compared to other places,” a tourist told Kashmir News Zone–The Media Journal.

Responding to the concerns, an official from the Food Safety Department told Kashmir News Zone–The Media Journal that the matter would be examined.

“Strict action will be taken against any dhaba or restaurant found violating the prescribed norms,” the official said.

Locals and visitors urged the authorities to conduct regular inspections and ensure that consumers are not subjected to unreasonable charges. They said reasonable pricing would benefit both residents and the large number of tourists travelling along the route, particularly during the peak tourism season.(KNZ/TMJ)