Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today said that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed towards protecting and preserving the treasured houseboat heritage of Kashmir.

He made these remarks during a meeting with the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (AKHBOA) held at Civil Secretariat Srinagar.

The meeting was also attended by MLA Zadibal constituency, Tanveer Sadiq.

Rana said that the houseboat remains a symbol of the Valley's cultural identity and a vital pillar of its tourism economy and every effort will be made for welfare of the communities dependent on it.

The delegation, led by Chairman AKHBOA, Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, apprised the Minister of various issues concerning the houseboat sector, particularly the requirement of timber for repair, renovation and maintenance of these heritage structures.

The representatives underscored that houseboats constitute a unique heritage asset of Jammu and Kashmir and play a significant role in sustaining tourism and providing livelihood to hundreds of families. They requested for enhancement of the existing timber quota to meet maintenance requirements while seeking easier process of timber procurement.

Responding to the issues raised by the delegation, the Minister assured that the concerns raised would be examined sympathetically for appropriate consideration. He said the government remains committed to safeguard the region's heritage assets while ensuring the welfare of communities dependent on them.

The delegation expressed gratitude to the Minister for his positive response to their long-pending demands.

Legislators Ranbir Singh Pathania and Mir Saifullah also called on the Minister and apprised him of various development and public welfare issues pertaining to their respective constituencies.

The Minister assured them that their concerns would be looked into and addressed in a time bound manner.