Srinagar, May 04: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, Sunday held an extensive interaction with Shikara owners operating in Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake.
The Minister was accompanied by Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan and other senior officials. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of the traditional boatmen community, Sharma highlighted the need to balance heritage preservation with sustainable tourism — a vital pillar of the region’s economy. Shikara owners shared pressing concerns, including challenges in acquiring and renewing licences, lack of financial and technical support for boat maintenance, environmental degradation of the lake, and the need for better infrastructure to uplift both operator and tourist experience. The Minister assured the gathering that all genuine issues would be taken up with urgency, with a focus on inclusive development and community welfare.
