BY TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA, 30 MAY 2023:
Wearing life jackets a must for all passengers of shikaras in Dal Lake, Nigeen and other lakes of Kashmir, announces Jammu and Kashmir administration today.
A usual shikara seats six people, with the driver paddling at the rear. Like the world famous Venetian Gondola rides, they have become the cultural symbol of Kashmir.
Each Shikara or small boat registered under J&K Tourist Trade Act , 1978 has to ensure that at least three life saving jackets are reserved for the tourists.
If any of the shikaras or small baots operating in any water bodies of Kashmir are found violating the policy guidelines of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department, their licenses will be cancelled, the order stated.
The tourism department is worried with the increase in incidents of shikars stuck in the lakes with tourists due to inclement weather and gusty storm.
Infact the J&K Police has saved 21 tourists on 29 May, after shikars were stuck in the middle of the lake during storm.
The shikaras are the numero uno tourism attractions in the Dal Lkae in Kashmir. Last year about 26 lakhs tourists visited Kashmir.
The shikaras are a type of wood boat that roam in the lakes of Kashmir. There are more than hundreds of shikaras that operates in the lakes of Kashmir.
A Shikhara is a traditional Gondola type light rowing boat which is mostly seen on the pristine Dal Lake, apart from other lakes. It is one of the most incredible and relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir, and should be included in your itinerary if you want to experience the surreal beauty of this region to the fullest. Along with the houseboats, it is also considered to be a cultural symbol. But even apart from leisure and tourism purposes, the shikhara is also used by the locals for seaweed harvesting, fishing and transportation.
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