Srinagar, September 15: Operations at Shikara Ghat No. 1 in Dal Lake have been affected after members of the Shikara Owners Association reportedly stopped work in protest against an alleged unauthorized and unregistered ghat operating opposite their designated location.
The association has submitted an urgent representation to the Vice Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), seeking an immediate inspection of the site and action over what it claims is an illegally established ghat.
According to the association, around 75 shikara operators associated with Ghat No. 1 have joined the protest, resulting in the closure of the ghat.
In its representation, the association alleged that a new ghat has been constructed and is being operated opposite the registered Ghat No. 1 without the necessary registration or authorization.
The association has requested the LCMA to verify the status of the structure and determine whether any permission was granted for its construction or operation.
It has also sought action over the alleged violation and restoration of the site, stating that the operation of an unregistered ghat is affecting the interests of operators associated with the registered facility.
Ghat No. 1 is among the established access points for shikara services on Dal Lake. The Tourism Department has previously notified rates for shikara services from designated ghats, including applicable crossing charges for Ghats 1 to 12.
The matter comes amid previous enforcement drives around Dal Lake over complaints related to unauthorized activities and encroachments. In 2022, the district administration conducted an anti-encroachment drive along the Boulevard stretch from Ghat No. 1 to Ghat No. 16 following complaints from residents, shopkeepers and shikara associations.
The association has urged the LCMA to conduct an on-site inspection and determine whether the disputed ghat has the required approval before permitting its operation.
The LCMA's response to the representation and its position on the alleged registration or authorization of the new ghat was not immediately available.
