Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Mar 11: Government today stated that there is no prohibition on the repair or renovation of houseboats in Dal and Nigeen lakes and that several such cases were recently approved by the concerned authority.
In a written reply to questions raised by MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, in the Assembly, the Chief Minister, who is in charge of the Department of Tourism, further stated that permission for repair and renovation is granted by a high-level committee.
“There is no prohibition on repair/renovation of registered Houseboats in Dal and Nigeen lakes. The permission for carrying out the repair and renovation is issued by a High Level Committee, constituted by the Government in compliance to the High Court orders passed in PIL 159/2002 titled Syed Tahir Iqbal Geelani v/s State and others, after following the due procedure,” the Government stated.
It added that the High Court has declared the lakes ‘custodia legis’ and all registration, permission for operation of all Tourist units in the said two lakes is being monitored by the Court.
“The High Level Committee has recently approved 35 cases for repair and renovation of Houseboats.”
The question asked was whether it is a fact that existing House Boats in Dal and Nigeen lakes have become un-habitable due to imposition of prohibition on their repair, renovation or reconstruction.
Regarding another question, which asked whether it is a fact that an exorbitant fee has been notified for renewal of Shikara License and “if so, whether it intends to rationalize the fee structure on this behalf with the dual purpose of promoting tourism heritage and as a supportive measure to the community.”
The Government in its reply stated that the revised renewal fee for the Shikara license has not yet been notified by the J&K Government, noting that the renewal fee for the Shikara license is Rs. 50/- (Rupees fifty only) as per SRO 198 dated 08/06/2012.
Notably, tourism players have repeatedly emphasized over the years that permissions for renovation and repairs are rarely granted, creating the impression that such activities are effectively banned.
According to stakeholders, this issue has been particularly challenging for houseboats damaged in fire incidents, as they have struggled to obtain the necessary permissions for repairs.
The KCCI has specifically highlighted the declining number of houseboats, which has dropped from 1,200 to about 850 over the past few decades. It has warned that if the serious challenges faced by stakeholders are not addressed urgently, this globally renowned heritage product could face an existential threat.
According to the trade body, 25 houseboats were destroyed in massive fires between 2018 and 2023, while 207 were damaged or lost due to storms, sinking, and other natural calamities between 2009 and 2023.
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