Srinagar: Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Prof. Saifuddin Soz Thursday said that Kashmir Houseboat Industry is in extreme bad shape as the Houseboat owners have been reduced to conditions of penury.
Soz said that he feels extremely sad that Kashmir’s traditional Houseboat Industry is facing extremely bad conditions.
“The houseboat owners have got reduced to very bad economic conditions due to falling numbers of Domestic and Foreign Tourists. The Pandemic has further deepened their misery,” he said.
Soz said that he has approached the LG Manoj Sinha through a letter today, requesting him to please take notice of this ‘now-dilapidated’ industry.
“I have urged the Lt. Governor to sanction a package for this industry with a view to provide aid for reconstruction of the houseboats and financial help to houseboat owners,” he said adding that the industry has suffered heavily due to Covid-19 pandemic and reduction in the number of Domestic and Foreign visitors.
“Among other things, I have requested the Lt. Governor to ask his office to invite the Houseboat Owners Association through its president G.R. Siah, so that these sufferers will explain their plight and seek help.”
“I also expressed my hope that the Lt. Governor would initiate action, in this connection, at the earliest.” (KNT)
