Kashmir Houseboat owners association (KHOA) Wednesday appealed Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to announce compensation for them in view of low tourist arrivals in Kashmir.
“Due to unfortunate unrest, the valley has witnessed total decline of tourism and incurred heavy loss to the tourism sector in general and in particular. The houseboat business due to unfavorable circumstances has suffered massive loss. As a result at present, most of the houseboat families are not in a condition to survive their daily livelihood properly,” said Hamid Wangnoo, convener HBOA in a statement.
“Houseboats, which are considered as heritage asset and icon of tourism industry, exist as a movable property. So to save this heritage from deterioration, it needs proper repairing, coring on its bottom portion so that it can remain active on the water surface,” Wangnoo said.
“Unfortunately, due to total decline of tourist flow in the valley, now most of the houseboat families seek for assistance as they are not in a proper condition to maintain their establishments and save this heritage of Kashmir from further mess,” he said.
“Due to unfavorable circumstances, we faced heavy business losses. We appeal CM to kindly save the houseboats which are heritage of Kashmir from further degradation. If houseboats are not being taken care properly, their condition will further deteriorate and Kashmir will lose this vital heritage forever,” it said.
Low tourist arrivals has affected our livelihood: Houseboat Owners seek CM’s help
