Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 16: The Houseboat Association of Kashmir on Friday welcomed the revival of water transport but demanded rehabilitation of houseboats in Jhelum to safer places.
The President of the Houseboat Association of Kashmir (HBOA), Manzoor Pakhtoon, said that the revival of water transport in Jhelum is a welcoming step but they are demanding the rehabilitation of already deployed houseboats in Jhelum river to other safer places.
Pakhtoon added that the houseboats in Jhelum from Rajbagh to Lal Mandi stretch are not in the condition to handle the high and continuous tide which will be generated by the motor-operated boats, which is going to ply on Jhelum.
Pakhtoon said they have requested the officials many times to relocate their houseboats in Jhelum to safer places. In this regard, an order was also issued but the file is pending with Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) since March, they said, adding that they are requesting the government to relocate their houseboats in Jhelum before the inauguration of water transport, and clear the file.
After a gap of over three decades, Jammu & Kashmir’s summer capital, Srinagar, is all set to witness a revival of water transport within the next month.
Meanwhile, a houseboat owner said, “We’re hopeful that the revival of water transport in Jhelum will bring new opportunities, but it’s crucial that the safety of our houseboats is ensured.”
“Relocating us to safer places is necessary to protect our livelihoods and preserve the beauty of our heritage, as our Houseboats are not in the condition to handle such high tide and disturbance in the water,” he added.
