Kashmir’s Jewel Losing Shine

Once the pride of Kashmir's tourism and a floating symbol of its charm, Srinagar’s houseboats, often called the “jewel in the crown” are quietly sinking into neglect as visitors are bypassing the lakes.

- Observer News Service

Houseboat owners while talking to KNO said, "Occupancy has dropped to as low as 10-15 percent this winter, leaving most rooms empty, heaters off and livelihoods adrift. We are watching the rush in Gulmarg and Pahalgam on television. But here, our boats are empty,” said Ghulam Nabi, a houseboat owner from Dal Lake. “It feels like tourists have forgotten that Srinagar exists,” he added.