Srinagar, April 20 — Shikara riders have been urged to halt operations on Dal Lake as the Meteorological Centre predicted more rain across Jammu and Kashmir over the next 4 to 6 hours, warning of intense showers, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Quick Response Team stationed at Nehru Park patrolled the lake, making loudspeaker announcements and advising operators to stay ashore.
“All shikara operations are requested not to ply towards the shore as the weather is wild and an advisory has already been issued,” officials announced.
The SDRF also directed the Shikara Union President to enforce a complete halt to shikara movement, citing safety concerns due to unpredictable weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the MET Centre Srinagar on Sunday issued a nowcast around 3:15 PM, forecasting light to moderate rain with intense spells at isolated locations.
Residents and tourists have been advised to stay away from water channels, loose structures, and landslide-prone areas.
These precautionary steps follow a recent incident in which a tourist family’s shikara capsized in the interiors of Dal Lake.