Damaged wall, a blot on Kashmir's Dal lake

Residents in Srinagar are demanding the immediate repair of the parapet walls surrounding the scenic Dal Lake, as it has become unsafe for visitors.

Manzoor Ahmad, the owner of a Shikara, said the state government in not taking adequate steps to repair the wall.

Manzoor said: " The wall, which is made for the sitting purpose, can break anytime if the government does not repair it properly. There is a possibility that even a car can fall, if the wall collapses. "

Kashmir's scenic beauty attracts tourists from different parts of the country and abroad and Dal Lake in the valley is famous for its location, houseboats and aqua sports, like water skiing.

Tourism is the backbone of Kashmir valley; around eighty percent of the people depend on tourism for their livlihood.

"Wherever there is a need for immediate repair, we are doing it. We along with R and B (Public Works Department) are doing the work. The vulnerable points would be repaired," said Vice Chairman of Lakes And Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), Irfan Yaseen.

Kashmir was once dubbed the Switzerland of the east. It was once a Mecca for climbers, skiers, honeymooners and filmmakers drawn to the state's soaring peaks, fruit orchards and timber houseboats bobbing on Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Indeed, planeloads of India's upwardly mobile middle classes have visited the picture postcard-perfect Kashmir Valley this summer, making it the busiest tourist season since the armed revolt began in 1989.