Minister of State for Health, and Social Welfare Ms Asiea Naqash today visited the fire affected families of Dal Lake, Nehru Park and assured them all possible government assistance.Naqash interacted with the family of Bashir Ahmad Gagroo, owner of Humayun Palace houseboat and Altaf Ahmad Shala, owner of Young Golden Palace who lost their houseboats in a fire incident that occurred few days back due to short circuit. She assured them that the government will make sure that they will get adequate support from the concerned departments for reconstruction of their damaged property.She said that they will be provided timber on subsidized rates besides permission for rebuilding of their houseboats, the Minister said the government is committed to provide succour to the people who suffer either due to manmade or natural calamity.
Pertinently, last Saturday, fire erupted, apparently out of short circuit, from Humayun Palace houseboat and spread to adjoining Young Golden houseboat. The houseboats were of deluxe category— having three bedrooms. 12 tourists and staff staying in them were evacuated due to timely action of locals and troopers of 144 battalion of paramilitary CRPF camped on the island.To prevent the fire occurrences in future in the area, Ms Naqash said the government is mulling to shift the fire brigade station from Dalgate to Nehru Park—where the density of houseboats is more than other parts of Dal Lake.