SRINAGAR, Oct 13: Following the recent tragic houseboat drowning Incident at Abi Guzar Bund, Lal Chowk, BJP J&K Spokesperson Manzoor Bhat today personally visited the affected family to assess the damage and coordinate immediate relief efforts.
Bhat met with the family members who lost their home and livelihood. He assured them of the party’s full support during this difficult time. Observing the immediate need for essentials, Bhat acknowledged the swift aid provided by various NGOs Like We the helping Hand Foundation and Smile Foundation, which have supplied rations and other necessary items.
Taking further action, blankets and bedding were handed over to the family today to help them cope with the immediate aftermath.
Recognizing the urgent need for shelter, Manzoor Bhat has been in direct communication with the district administration. “The family’s most critical need right now is a roof over their heads,” said Bhat. “I have personally spoken with the DC Administration, urging them to provide a tent to the family at the earliest as a temporary shelter. We have been assured that this will be done as soon as possible.”
“While we are grateful to the community and NGOs for their incredible support, the administration must step in to provide secure, temporary housing immediately,” he stated. “This incident underscores the vulnerability of the houseboat community. It is imperative that we move beyond stop-gap measures and work towards a permanent, dignified housing solution for them under the PM-AWAS Yojana.”
The BJP reiterates its demand for a comprehensive policy to protect and support the houseboat owners, who are integral to Kashmir’s cultural heritage and tourism economy.
