SRINAGAR: Days after an incident involving tourists consuming alcohol at Dal Lake, Shikarawalas have issued an advisory banning alcohol within the lake.
A recent viral video showing tourists drinking alcohol during a shikara ride has led to backlash from political and religious leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. The video depicts a group of people consuming alcohol during a boat ride in Srinagar’s Dal Lake.
In response, Shikarawalas have issued a strong message banning alcohol consumption at the lake.
“We held a meeting yesterday and decided to ban alcohol consumption around and within Dal Lake. We also decided to take strong action against littering in the lake,” Wali Mohammad Bhat, president of the Shikarawala Association, told KNO.
He stated that those found drinking alcohol will be handed over to the police, and the association will take strong action against the service providers as well.
“We decided to hand over the offenders to the police. As an association, we will also take action against the Shikarawalas who offer services to them,” Bhat said.
Meanwhile, the Shikarawalas have installed “No Drinking Allowed” signboards on their boats and houseboats.
This step was taken by numerous houseboat owners and Shikarawalas following widespread condemnation of the incident at the lake.
The President of the Shikarawala Association mentioned that they plan to hold a meeting after Eid-Ul-Adha to send a message across India about the ban on alcohol consumption at the lake.
“We will call all stakeholders, including tour operators, hoteliers, and other service providers, to seek cooperation in banning alcohol consumption around Dal Lake. This meeting will take place after Eid-Ul-Adha,” Bhat said.
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