AS we all know the tourist season this year has been booming more than our expectation, and everyone is aware that the industry is benefiting one and all. Alhamdulillah!
 The houseboat owners from Chinar Bagh were also expecting to do good business after a gap of many years. It is quite pertinent to mention that Department of Tourism has done a great job in bringing Chinar Bagh back to its pristine glory. But to the utter dismay the present condition of this waterbody is quite deteriorating.
 As against any expected attraction the waterbody houses polythene, animal carcass and unwanted weeds. The tourist is unwilling to stay in the houseboats at Chinar Bagh as the bad smell and the ugly face is giving a shabby look.
 The Lakes and Waterways Development Authorities have been disowning its conservation saying it doesn’t fall in their jurisdiction. Next, we obviously pinned hope on the Commissioner SMC Sheikh Mushtaq who was requested to personally visit the deteriorating condition of this waterbody which has already been mentioned as “dustbin of the City.” A few months back Greater Kashmir too had carried the news story about the pathetic condition of the waterbody along with an appeal to the SMC Commissioner. But then till now there has been no response from the government side. We request the Divisional Commissioner Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon to look into the matter so that the houseboats of this waterbody too get benefited from the tourism boom.
By
Manzoor Wangnoo
Chairman Houseboat Owners Association
(The ideas expressed are author’s own)

Lastupdate on : Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST