Srinagar: The hoteliers operating from inside world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar Monday appealed authorities to allow them to renovate their hotels or rehabilitate them at a desired location.
While addressing a press conference at Dal Lake, hotelier Mir Hanif said there are 13 hotels inside the Dal Lake that are registered with Department of Tourism and J&K Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA).
He said most of the hotels are in dilapidated condition as authorities are restricting them from any renovation.
“Either allow us to renovate our hotels or rehabilitate us,” Mir said.
He said Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) is in possession of vast land at Gupt Ganga in Shalimar.
“If you don’t allow us to renovate our hotels, at least rehabilitate us at Gupt Ganga. We are ready to vacate from the Dal Lake as we are suffering immensely,” Mir said and sought intervention of Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary.
He said even Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi had assured them in 2014 that hoteliers in Dal Lake will be given a breather and will either be rehabilitated or allowed to renovate the hotels.
“We hope that court will consider the applications seeking repairs, renovations of hotels inside the Dal Lake as we believe that the restraint order is being misrepresented by the authorities from time to time,” he added. (KNT)
