Bilal Bashir Bhat
The world-famous Dal Lake dotted with beautiful houseboats boasting intricate woodwork and vibrant colors, provides a tranquil and immersive experience amid stunning surroundings. Staying in these floating homes offers a distinct opportunity to revel in the beauty of Kashmir while immersing oneself in its rich cultural traditions.
The history of houseboats in Kashmir traces back to the 18th century when a British army general crafted the first Doonga, a small boat. The serene waters of Dal Lake quickly became a favored summer destination for British colonialists, leading to the proliferation of these iconic houseboats. Presently, the cost of a houseboat typically ranges from Rs 2 to 5 crore.
However, over the years, a dark cloud looms over the picturesque landscape as devastating fire incidents in houseboats have become an all-too-common occurrence. On November 11, 2023, five houseboats turned to ashes, claiming the lives of three tourists. A similar tragedy unfolded in April 2022 when seven houseboats were destroyed at Srinagar’s Nigeen Lake, preceded by the destruction of three houseboats in Dal Lake.
These incidents share a common thread — a fire ignites in one houseboat before swiftly engulfing neighboring structures. Locals lament that by the time Fire and Emergency services reach the spot, irreparable damage has been done.
Despite guidelines from the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, there exists no effective mechanism to tackle these incidents. Muhammad Yakub Dunoo, spokesperson for the Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association, while talking with Onlykashmir[dot]in expressed grief over the recent fire incidents and emphasized the need for urgent action.
Dunoo proposed the installation of fire extinguisher balls in every houseboat, which can sense smoke and burst to extinguish fires automatically. He urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to support houseboat owners in this endeavor.
While the government provides fire-fighting motors, houseboat owners argue that fires cannot wait for these motors to start. The urgency to address this issue is underscored by the fact that houseboats have been an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage, representing a unique blend of Kashmiri and British architecture. If these incidents persist, Kashmir risks losing this heritage to the ashes.
The Policy on Operation of Houseboats drafted by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department outlines crucial guidelines for fire safety, including the installation of emergency alarm buttons, safety instructions in multiple languages, approved fire safety equipment, and a regulatory committee to ensure compliance.
The government and relevant authorities must take swift action to safeguard Kashmir’s rich culture. Mandatory installation of fire extinguishers in every houseboat is essential to prevent the widespread destruction caused by fire incidents. Additionally, strict adherence to preventive measures while handling electronic gadgets, LPG cylinders, and other appliances during the winter season is crucial.
The time to act is now. Preserving the heritage of Kashmir’s houseboats requires a collective effort to implement and enforce stringent safety measures. We can only prevent these cultural symbols from turning to ashes through immediate and decisive action.
