Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, June 18: After witnessing several fire incidents in which several houseboats were gutted in Dal and Nageen lakes in Srinagar, famous Nigeen lake today got its first firefighting facility after nearly over 30 years. The facility is set to provide the necessary fire protection to the houseboats and residential houses near the Lake.
In this regard, the firefighting facility-to be operated by the personnel of Fire & Emergency Services-was launched at the Nigeen club while the inauguration of the same was carried out by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole.
On the occasion, he said that the step is aimed at providing better protection from the fire incidents and lessening the damage wherever the fire incidents are reported.
“Dal and Nigeen Lake are famous for houseboats and the tourists prefer to stay in the houseboats. However, the houseboats are made of combustible material, and the polish used makes them more vulnerable to fire,” Pole said.
Earlier, it is to be noted here that in several fire incidents which were reported at the Nigeen as well as Dal Lake, several properties were reduced to ashes while the absence of aquatic firefighting tenders was being deeply felt by the houseboat owners.
Pole said that earlier few houseboats were damaged in fire incidents, and keeping that in view, he said: “Under Srinagar Smart City, 2 water fireboats have been put in place in Nigeen Lake, while as we have already made 3-4 such boats available in Dal Lake; these boats will provide the necessary fire protection to the houseboats and nearby residential houses.”
On the occasion, Chairman, Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA), Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo expressed his satisfaction and happiness over the inauguration of the firefighting facility, while adding that the initiative will go a long way in helping the houseboat owners during any untoward incident, especially in case of fire.
“It is a historical day as the long pending demand of nearly 30 years has been finally met. It must be said that I met the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir in December after fire gutted several houseboats; he took the necessary action on spot, passing directions for 2 such boats to be provided for the Nigeen Lake,” Wangnoo said.
Director Tourism Dr. G N Itoo, who was also present on occasion, said that the firefighting boats will provide relief to the stakeholders, especially houseboat owners. He also lauded the efforts of Chairman NTTA for his rigorous regular follow-up of the process of getting the firefighting boats issued to Nigeen Lake.
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