Govt Committed to Protecting Kashmir’s Houseboat Heritage: Javed Rana | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Kashmir’s iconic houseboat heritage, describing it as a vital component of the Valley’s cultural identity and tourism economy.

The Minister made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (AKHBOA) at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.

Rana said the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is determined to protect and promote the centuries-old houseboat tradition while safeguarding the livelihoods of families dependent on the sector.

“The houseboat remains a symbol of Kashmir’s unique cultural heritage and an important pillar of the tourism industry. Every effort will be made to support the communities associated with it,” he said.

The delegation, led by AKHBOA Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, raised several issues concerning the houseboat sector, particularly the need for adequate timber for repair, renovation and maintenance of houseboats.

The representatives said houseboats are a distinctive heritage asset of Jammu and Kashmir and play a crucial role in sustaining tourism and supporting hundreds of families. They urged the government to enhance the existing timber quota and simplify the procurement process to facilitate timely maintenance of these structures.

Responding to the concerns, Rana assured the delegation that their demands would be examined sympathetically and considered appropriately. He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving heritage assets while ensuring the welfare of stakeholders associated with them.

The delegation expressed gratitude to the Minister for his positive response to their long-pending demands.

Meanwhile, legislators Ranbir Singh Pathania and Mir Saifullah also met the Minister and apprised him of various development and public welfare issues concerning their respective constituencies.

Rana assured them that the issues raised would be addressed in a time-bound manner.