Srinagar, October 11:Senior BJP Leader, DDC Member, and Co-Incharge Minority Morcha UT of J&K, Er. Aijaz Hussain Rather today visited Abi Guzar Bund in Lal Chowk Constituency to meet the family affected by the recent houseboat drowning incident. The tragic mishap resulted in the complete damage of the houseboat, leaving the family devastated and without shelter.
Expressing deep sympathy with the affected family, Er. Aijaz Hussain assured them of every possible support. He urged the district administration to immediately assess the losses, identify all damaged houseboats, and provide suitable land for the construction of permanent houses for the affected families.
Speaking on the occasion, Er. Aijaz Hussain said, “The government must stand by these families in their hour of need. The houseboat community has been an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural and tourism heritage, and it is our collective duty to ensure their safety, dignity, and proper rehabilitation.”
He expressed concern over the inaction of the government and local administration, stating that “both seem to be in deep slumber and only wake up when a tragedy strikes. Preventive measures and timely action are completely missing, which leads to unnecessary suffering for the affected families.”
Er. Aijaz Hussain further highlighted that many houseboats in and around Dal and Jhelum areas have suffered damage and are in dire need of urgent government intervention. He said that similar tragedies have occurred in the past, yet “we have failed to learn lessons or put a system in place to prevent such incidents.”
He appealed to the government to frame a comprehensive policy for houseboat owners and allot land to them under the PM-AWAS Yojana to ensure a dignified and secure living for these families who are an integral part of Kashmir’s identity.
Er. Aijaz Hussain has also taken up the issue with the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, urging him to provide immediate relief and assistance to the affected family and ensure that their genuine grievances are addressed on priority.
