Srinagar– In anticipation of the revival of water transport in the Jhelum River under the Srinagar Smart City project, houseboat owners along the river Jhelum have expressed both appreciation for the initiative and concern for the safety of their livelihoods. While welcoming the government’s decision, they have raised demands for the rehabilitation of houseboats to safer locations.
Speaking to Kashmir Observer, Ghulam Qadir Gasi, 57, spokesperson for the Houseboat Owners River Jhelum, emphasized the necessity of relocating the houseboats to safer areas before the inauguration of water transport.
Gasi highlighted the vulnerability of the houseboats along the Rajbagh to Lal Mandi stretch, stating that they are ill-equipped to handle the high and continuous tide generated by motor-operated boats.
“We are hopeful that the revival of water transport in Jhelum will bring new opportunities, but it is crucial that the safety of our houseboats is ensured,” said Gasi.
Gasi underscored the risks posed by strong waves to the stability of the houseboats, warning of potential damages to their bottoms and structures. Gasi stressed that relocation to safer places is essential to protect livelihoods and preserve the heritage of the houseboat community.
“We are registered houseboat owners with the government and there are many families who live in the houseboats, if something untoward happens who will be held responsible for that. So we urge the government to rehabilitate us to better places.”
Mohammad Anees, another commercial houseboat owner, voiced similar concerns, highlighting the dangers posed by the waves generated by water transport.
Anees emphasized the importance of government intervention to address the demands of the houseboat owners, asserting that houseboats are integral to Kashmir’s tourism industry.
Houseboats are the backbone of tourism in Kashmir. Before 2000, there were fewer hotels, and most of the tourists would stay in these houseboats. There is no tourism in Kashmir without houseboats, and the government should come up with a policy directed at rehabilitating us; that is our only legal demand,” Anees said.
Replying to a query about the plying of motorboats in Dal Lake, Anees said that the Dal Lake has a vast area, and the effect of waves is less, but that is not the case with the river Jhelum.
Pertinently, there are a total of 86 houseboats situated along the Jhelum River, extending from the old zero bridge to the Foot Bridge. Several decades ago, the river boasted approximately 250 houseboats. However, over time, this number has dwindled and currently, there are around 86 houseboats remaining.
The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir & Chairman Srinagar Smart City Ltd Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, chaired a meeting in December 2023 to review the selection of the agency for operating water transport services in River Jhelum and Dal Lake in Srinagar. The Water Transport project, spearheaded by the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), aims to revive the water-based public transport system in Srinagar City.
On 16th feb 2024 Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri while chairing a meeting of transporters emphasized on private transporters to come forward and take part in water transportation which shall help in minimizing traffic congestion.
Despite repeated attempts to reach Divisional Commissioner Bidhuri for comment, there was no response.
As preparations for the inauguration of water transport in River Jhelum continue, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of the houseboat community and facilitate their relocation to safer locations.
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