Srinagar, 30 May: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has made ‘life saving jackets’ necessary for Shikara boats in Dal and Nigeen lakes, as well as other regional water bodies.
“In order to ensure the safety of tourists taking Shikara rides in Dal and Nigeen Lakes and other water bodies, and to prevent any untoward incident due to inclement weather conditions or any other reasons, it is hereby ordered that, as provided in the J&K Tourism Policy guidelines, each Shikara boat registered under the J&K Tourist Trade Act, 1978 shall maintain the availability of a minimum of three Life Saving Jackets of recommended quality,” said an order issued here today.
The warning came only one day after 21 tourists on a shikara trip on Dal Lake were stranded owing to heavy rains and strong winds. The river branch of the Srinagar police, on the other hand, acted quickly and rescued the visitors.
