Srinagar, Mar 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday informed the Assembly that the J&K government has not yet notified any revised renewal fee for shikara licenses. He clarified that the existing renewal fee remains at Rs. 50 as per SRO 198 dated June 8, 2012, addressing concerns raised by National Conference chief spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq.
During the session, Sadiq had questioned whether exorbitant fees were being charged for the renewal of shikara licenses and whether the government intended to rationalize the fee structure. He also raised concerns regarding the condition of houseboats in Dal and Nigeen lakes, asking whether they had become uninhabitable due to a prohibition on repairs, renovations or reconstructions.
In his response, Abdullah, who also holds the portfolio of Tourism Minister, stated that there is “no prohibition on the repair or renovation of registered houseboats” in Dal and Nigeen lakes. He explained that permission for repairs and renovations is granted by a High-Level Committee constituted by the government, in compliance with the orders of the Hon’ble High Court in PIL 159/2002 titled Syed Tahir Iqbal Geelani v/s State and others. Abdullah added that the committee had recently approved “35 cases for the repair and renovation of houseboats.”
The CM further emphasized that the lakes are under judicial custody, with all registrations and permissions for tourist units in these lakes being monitored by the High Court.
Sadiq had also inquired about the reasons for imposing restrictions on houseboat repairs and renovations. Abdullah clarified that the restrictions were part of the legal process and court orders aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of the lakes.
