SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving Kashmir’s historic houseboat heritage and addressing the concerns of communities dependent on the sector.
The assurance came during a meeting with a delegation of the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (AKHBOA) at the Civil Secretariat here. The meeting was also attended by MLA Tanvir Sadiq.
Rana said the houseboat sector represents an important part of Kashmir’s cultural identity and remains a key pillar of the tourism economy. He added that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to safeguarding this heritage while supporting the livelihoods of families associated with it.
The delegation, led by AKHBOA chairman Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, raised several issues concerning the sector, particularly the availability of timber required for repair, renovation and maintenance of houseboats.
The representatives said houseboats are a unique heritage asset of Jammu and Kashmir and play a significant role in sustaining tourism and providing employment to hundreds of families. They sought enhancement of the existing timber quota and simplification of the timber procurement process to facilitate upkeep of the structures.
Responding to the concerns, Rana assured the delegation that their demands would be examined sympathetically and considered appropriately. He reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting heritage assets while ensuring the welfare of communities dependent on them.
The delegation thanked 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 developmental and public welfare issues concerning their respective constituencies.
Rana assured the legislators that the issues raised by them would be examined and addressed in a time-bound manner.
