Abdul Basit
Srinagar, January 13: Dal Lake freezes again as cold waves continue in Kashmir valley on 8th consecutive day.
Freezing of the lake has taken a toll on the business of already distressed Shikarawallas. While talking to a Shikara owner he said two back to back lockdowns and now this harsh winter affects them badly, “we can't even feed our families now,” he added. “The Shikara costs about 2.5 lakh and we can't use it in ice as ice breaks the Shikara,” he said.
In 2-3 days we can hardly earn Rs 500 that can't fulfill our family needs. Few weeks ago the tourism department sanctioned compensation for Shikara owners, after completing all the formalities for compensation we didn't receive even a single rupees,” Shikara owner said.
The Shikawa owners said after snowfall they witnessed an increase in tourists, for a few days but due to cold wave Dal freeze and we are left jobless again, a Shikara owner said.
