Srinagar, July 1, KDC: A deputation involving dal residents including Houseboat and representatives of Shikara owners, today was called to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to tell them about various issues, which are to cope with them.
The meeting was held to address complaints for a long time and discuss permanent livelihood solutions for the communities dependent on the Dal Lake.
The conversation was attended by Advisor for Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to MLA Jadibal Tanveer Sadiq, Additional Chief Secretary of Chief Minister Dhirj Gupta, Director General of Agni and Emergency Services J&K, Commissioner of Commissioner Secretaries of J&K, Forest, Ecology and Commissioner of Environment, Tourism, Tourism and Urban Development; Director Tourism, Conservation and Management Authority of Lakes (LCMA), Vice Chairman of Srinagar Development Authority and other senior officials.
Representatives of the Houseboat Owners Association, Shikara Owners Union and Dal Duellers community attended the meeting and put forward their concerns and issues.
Initially, MLA Zadibal Tanveer Sadiq gave the Chief Minister a detailed briefing on issues raised by visiting deputation.
The chairman of the Houseboat Owners Association highlighted the major concerns of the community, especially the delay in renewal of the license of houseboats. He currently raised the talk of rehabilitation for houseboat owners located in Jhelum and Chunk Khun Khun, who voluntarily prepared to transfer to more sustainable places. He emphasized the need for a dedicated location at Srinagar Airport and Srinagar railway station to promote and bring the houseboat to the market as a unique tourism property and facilities in Chiner Bagh. The demand to set up a dedicated fire station near Nigen Lake, in view of the vulnerability of houseboat accidents, was also reiterated.
Members of the Dal Dwellers community urged the administration to do immediate repair and renewal of wooden culverts and bridges that are integral for community movement, especially ahead of Muharram processions. He also flagged the need to improve basic facilities for the residents living in the interiors of the lake.
He also paid attention to the lack of a reliable mechanism for transporting the necessary ration in the interiors of the lake, which affects the daily lives of the inhabitants.
Similarly, Shikara owners demanded restoration and maintenance of ghats and jetty along the dal lake coastline.
The Chief Minister gave a hearing of deputation to a patient and assured him that all real concerns would be investigated and addressed on priority.
He emphasized that the government is committed to protect the interests of those whose livelihood depends on the lake, while this ecological treasure also ensures permanent protection. (KDC)