J&K admin mulls Seaplane services from Dal Lake to Manasbal

Srinagar, Feb 15: The Jammu and Kashmir administration is actively considering the introduction of seaplane services, connecting Dal Lake in Srinagar to Manasbal in Ganderbal, following expressed interest from Mumbai-based company Maritime Energy Heli Air Services Pvt Ltd (MEHAIR).
Three years ago, an official from the tourism department disclosed that MEHAIR formally requested government approval for seaplane services between Dal Lake and Manasbal Lake. The government, after due diligence and feedback collection from various departments, is now advancing the process, foreseeing a transformative impact on central Kashmir’s tourism.
Recently, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat Jammu, directing officials to resolve pending issues with the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to ensure timely project completion under the UDAN flagship scheme.
The introduction of water transportation is anticipated to bring unprecedented change, particularly in a region where water transport has been absent despite efforts by the UT administration to revive it. Currently, security aspects are under scrutiny before finalising the project.
Residents of the Manasbal area eagerly anticipate the service, believing it will significantly boost tourism in the region. Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, CEO of the Wular Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA), affirmed MEHAIR’s approach, emphasising the project’s potential to enhance tourism, especially with its strategic location en route to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
With approximately 300,000 tourists already visiting the lake, officials anticipate a doubling of footfall after the project’s implementation. They express hope for its swift commencement to not only increase tourism but also bolster the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.