Good morning, Kashmir: Srinagar: Sunday, 7th
June 2026.
Members of the motor boat community allege that the practice has flourished unchecked despite repeated complaints to the authorities
What was once seen as a
contest between traditional transport and modern technology has now emerged as
a question of law enforcement and regulatory accountability. Ironically, in
this case, the “machine” appears to be operating outside the
law while authorities remain silent spectators.
Fresh revelations obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act have brought to light the growing menace of illegally motorised shikaras operating on the world-famous Dal Lake. According to stakeholders, several shikaras have clandestinely fitted small engines in violation of existing regulations, allowing them to ferry tourists at higher speeds while undermining the livelihood of licensed motor boat operators.
Members of the motor boat community allege that the practice has flourished unchecked despite repeated complaints to the authorities. They argue that illegal motorised shikaras are not only violating established rules but are also creating unfair competition for those who have invested heavily in licensed motor boats and comply with all regulatory requirements.
Raising serious concerns, Rafiq Ahmad, President of the Motor Boat Association Nishat, said the revelations exposed through the RTI have vindicated long-standing complaints of the association.
“It is the duty of the Tourism Police and other concerned agencies to uphold the law and act against violators. Unfortunately, despite clear violations taking place in broad daylight, there appears to be no willingness to crack down on offenders,” he said.
Ahmad questioned why authorities had failed to initiate action despite being fully aware of the illegal modifications being carried out on shikaras. He alleged that the continued inaction had emboldened violators and pushed many legitimate motor boat owners towards financial distress.
“The law cannot have two yardsticks. If licensed operators are expected to follow every rule, then those illegally converting shikaras into motorised vessels must also be held accountable,” he added.
The issue has sparked resentment among motor boat owners, who claim their business has suffered significantly as tourists increasingly opt for illegally motorised shikaras offering quicker rides at lower operational costs.
Repeated attempts by GMK to seek a response from officials of the Tourism Department regarding the RTI findings and allegations of lax enforcement evoked no response.
With Dal Lake being one of Kashmir’s most iconic tourist attractions, stakeholders argue that unchecked violations not only threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of families dependent on the motor boat sector but also raise serious questions about governance, transparency and the rule of law in the Valley’s tourism industry.
Members of the motor boat community allege that the practice has flourished unchecked despite repeated complaints to the authorities
Fresh revelations obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act have brought to light the growing menace of illegally motorised shikaras operating on the world-famous Dal Lake. According to stakeholders, several shikaras have clandestinely fitted small engines in violation of existing regulations, allowing them to ferry tourists at higher speeds while undermining the livelihood of licensed motor boat operators.
Members of the motor boat community allege that the practice has flourished unchecked despite repeated complaints to the authorities. They argue that illegal motorised shikaras are not only violating established rules but are also creating unfair competition for those who have invested heavily in licensed motor boats and comply with all regulatory requirements.
Raising serious concerns, Rafiq Ahmad, President of the Motor Boat Association Nishat, said the revelations exposed through the RTI have vindicated long-standing complaints of the association.
“It is the duty of the Tourism Police and other concerned agencies to uphold the law and act against violators. Unfortunately, despite clear violations taking place in broad daylight, there appears to be no willingness to crack down on offenders,” he said.
Ahmad questioned why authorities had failed to initiate action despite being fully aware of the illegal modifications being carried out on shikaras. He alleged that the continued inaction had emboldened violators and pushed many legitimate motor boat owners towards financial distress.
“The law cannot have two yardsticks. If licensed operators are expected to follow every rule, then those illegally converting shikaras into motorised vessels must also be held accountable,” he added.
The issue has sparked resentment among motor boat owners, who claim their business has suffered significantly as tourists increasingly opt for illegally motorised shikaras offering quicker rides at lower operational costs.
Repeated attempts by GMK to seek a response from officials of the Tourism Department regarding the RTI findings and allegations of lax enforcement evoked no response.
With Dal Lake being one of Kashmir’s most iconic tourist attractions, stakeholders argue that unchecked violations not only threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of families dependent on the motor boat sector but also raise serious questions about governance, transparency and the rule of law in the Valley’s tourism industry.
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