Dal Lake

  • Shikara Capsizes: A tourist shikara overturned in Dal Lake, Srinagar due to strong winds. A tourist family and a boatman were involved.
  • Rescue: Local boat owners rescued the individuals. No casualties were reported.
  • Investigation: Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident, suspecting passenger movement may have contributed to the capsizing. The boat is under inspection.
  • Dal Lake Significance: Dal Lake is an urban lake in Srinagar, known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Lake of Flowers.” It’s vital for tourism and recreation.
  • Lake Details: The lake has a shoreline of 15.5 km, surrounded by Mughal gardens, houseboats, and hotels. It’s relatively shallow (average 5 ft, max 20 ft) and covers 18 sq km, with floating gardens (“Raad”) that bloom in July-August.
  • Weather Impact: The rainfall that caused the incident led to a drop in temperatures in Kashmir, providing relief to residents and tourists.
  • Wider Weather Events: Other regions like Himachal Pradesh are also experiencing heavy rainfall and snowfall, causing disruptions.