Srinagar: Days after tourist were seen consuming alcohol at Dal Lake, Shikara operators have come up with an advisory for tourists for a ban on drinking alcohol within the lake.
The recent viral video showing tourists consuming alcohol during a shikara ride has led to the backlash from political and religious leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. The video shows a group of people drinking alcohol during a boat ride in Srinagar’s Dal lake.
Now the shikara operators have come up with a strong message of ban on alcohol consumption at the lake.
“We held a meeting yesterday and it was decided that a ban will be imposed on alcohol consumption around and within Dal Lake. We also took a strong decision against lettering in the lake as well,” Wali Mohammad Bhat, president of Shikarawala Association, told KNO.
He said those found boozing will be handed over to the police with a strong action from the association against the service provider as well.
“We took the decision to hand over the guilty to the police. We as an association will also take action against the shikarawalas who offer service to them,” Bhat said.
Meanwhile, the shikara operators have installed “no drinking allowed” sign boards on their boats and houseboats.
Scores of the houseboat owners and Shikara operators took this step after wide condemnation against the incident at the lake.
President Shikarawala Association said they are going to hold a meeting after Eid-ul-Adha to send a message across India regarding ban on alcohol consumption at the lake.
“We will call all the stakeholders including tour operators, hoteliers, and other service providers to seek cooperation against banning alcohol consumption around Dal Lake. This meeting will take place after Eid-Ul-Adha,” Bhat said.
