‘We are living in constant fear’

Srinagar, Apr 30:  Panic has gripped the houseboat owners in river Jhelum as incessant rains continued to swell the river, putting the lives and livelihoods of 86 families at risk.

Among the 86 houseboats in Jhelum, 44 are residential ones while 42 houseboats operate as commercial enterprises.

Due to continuous rains, Jhelum was flowing above the danger mark giving a tough time to Jhelum dwellers.

“We are living in constant fear. Our livelihoods depend on these houseboats, and the thought of losing everything is unbearable,” said Abdul Ahad, a houseboat owner.

Ghulam Qadir Gassi, who represents the Houseboat community in Jhelum told Greater Kashmir that current situation may not pose an immediate threat but maintained that “there is a dire need for action to address the longstanding issues plaguing the houseboat residents.”

Gassi recounted the harrowing experiences of families whose homes were lost not to floods, but to other calamities.

“Despite repeated appeals for assistance, the lack of progress in rehabilitation efforts has become a major obstacle hindering the community's recovery,” he said.

He said that there is an urgent need for timber repairs, subsidies for rehabilitation, and infrastructure improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of the houseboat community.

Meanwhile, Yakoob Danu, former General Secretary of the Houseboat Owners Association said that the loose ropes connecting the houseboats to their anchoring points could exacerbate the danger during adverse weather conditions.

“The rising water levels may not immediately threaten the houseboats, but storms or strong winds could pose significant risks, especially if the ropes become dislodged or the houseboats drift away from their moorings,” he said.

Regarding the relocation of families from vulnerable areas, Danu said that many residents along the Jhelum had been relocated to safer locations under government schemes.

“Approximately 40 houseboats remained in the river, with most families having been resettled to mitigate the risks associated with living on the water,” he said.