Srinagar November 11 (KNS): Chairman Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) Manzoor Wangnoo, expresses deep sorrow over the recent incident of the gutting of five houseboats in Dal Lake.
In a heartfelt statement, Mr Wangnoo referred to this incident as a tragedy and extended sincere condolences to the affected families.These wooden structures, he emphasized, represent the ailing heritage of the valley and are in urgent need of revival. Mr Wangnoo underscores the importance of implementing a comprehensive houseboat policy to safeguard these cultural treasures, especially considering the dwindling number of houseboats.
Expressing solidarity with the victims, Wangnoo urged the administration, particularly the LG administration, to establish an adequate number of firefighting boats in Dal Lake & Jhelum river. He expressed gratitude to the administration for assigning firefighting boats to Nigeen Lake and recommended replicating the same model by allocating three boats to Dal Lake and two to the River Jhelum.This proactive measure is essential to prevent and contain incidents like the recent fire, which pose a significant threat to the remaining houseboats.
Furthermore, he advocates for the proper rehabilitation of the fire victims, emphasizing that they should be provided with fair compensation. He also proposes facilitating the repair and refurbishment of the affected houseboats by offering timber at subsidized rates.
In his appeal to the administration, Manzoor Wangnoo stressed the urgency of taking appropriate measures to safeguard and revitalize houseboats. He called for a thoughtful and collaborative approach, considering the cultural and economic significance of these iconic structures.
NTTA stands committed to supporting initiatives that preserve and promote the rich heritage of J&K, he added in his statement.(KNS)