J&K: Massive fire at Dal Lake; 3 tourists killed
A major fire erupted at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday morning, killing three Bangladeshi tourists. A spokesperson for the Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (KHBOA), Yaqoob Dhunoo, told NewsBytes that five houseboats were completely damaged in the blaze. He claimed the fire started in a houseboat named "Safina," near Ghat number nine, and spread to others before being extinguished.
Tourists were staying on Safina houseboat
Their bodies were found hours after the fire at Dal Lake, which started at around 5:15am. They were reportedly staying on the Safina houseboat. While the cause of the fire is being ascertained, Dhunoo attributed it to a "short circuit." He added that the incident led to the loss of property worth several crores.
Watch: Visuals of massive fire in Dal Lake
KHBOA appeals for immediate compensation
The KHBOA has appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir administration for compensation for the affected families. Dhunoo also urged J&K Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha to announce an immediate relief and reconstruction package for the affected houseboat owners. He claimed that each houseboat costs Rs. 3-4 crore, and the government doesn't allow its reconstruction after any damage, which puts the owners in distress.
National Conference spokesperson shares visuals of damaged houseboats
Similar blaze destroyed 7 houseboats last year
This is not the first time that houseboats in Kashmir have been destroyed by a fire. A similar blaze destroyed seven houseboats in Srinagar's Nigeen Lake on April 5, 2022. Reportedly, the fire started from a houseboat at 2:26am and spread to neighboring houseboats, damaging them completely. Residents and tourists staying in some of the houseboats were rescued to safety.
About Kashmir houseboat
A Kashmir houseboat is a designed and modified boat used as a home or hotel on water. Some historical accounts claim Srinagar's boat-dwelling community began building them for English visitors and residents who were not permitted to own land in Kashmir in the 19th century. Most of the houseboats are not motorized as they are usually anchored and kept stationary at a fixed point.
