Srinagar, May 30: Heavy rainfall in Srinagar on Tuesday led to the damage of a houseboat near Lambert Lane in the Jhelum River, forcing a family out of their home. Thanks to the quick response from the River Police, all family members were safely evacuated as the houseboat started sinking in the rising waters of the Jhelum River.
According to an official, the incident occurred near the banks of the Jhelum River at Lambert Lane Bund in Srinagar. The houseboat, originally used for residential purposes, began to submerge due to the torrential downpour. Fortunately, all family members were rescued just in time, averting any casualties.
The houseboat was owned by Ghulam Qadir Ghasi, son of Asadullah Ghasi, who expressed his distress as his family’s houseboat suffered extensive damage. “I urge the administration to ensure the rehabilitation of my family. We have nowhere else to go,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.
This incident highlights a recurring issue faced by houseboat owners in the region. Numerous houseboats in the Jhelum River and Dal Lake have previously suffered the same fate, with owners blaming the authorities for impeding their efforts to repair or reconstruct their houseboats. They argue that the existing procedures are lengthy and often unattainable for average owners.
Houseboat owners have been vocal about the preservation of Kashmir’s heritage, as these iconic structures are integral to the region’s identity. They have urged the administration to prioritize safeguarding the heritage of the Kashmir Valley by implementing swift and efficient procedures for the repair and maintenance of houseboats.
The sinking of this particular houseboat serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of these unique structures to natural disasters and underscores the urgency of implementing measures to protect them. The intervention of the administration is crucial, not only for the affected families but also for the preservation of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
