By Agencies
The lake, a popular tourist attraction, has been deserted
over the last few weeks due to the surge in coronavirus cases across the
country. The vaccination process has been sped up to protect people from the
virus.
Awareness campaigns are also being organised in the area.
The tourism department, meanwhile, has started to rapidly
vaccinate those who are either directly or indirectly involved with the
industry so that as more people start to visit the Valley, they may not be at
risk.
This special drive is going to different destinations
including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Nigeen Lake and Dal Lake, popular among
tourists in the peak season.
According to Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary of Tourism, people in
the industry within the category of prioritised groups are being vaccinated.
"Under the Lieutenant Governor, certain sections have
been prioritised, which include people in the transport department and
vulnerable sections. Several people - houseboat owners, Shikare owners and
others who have to interact with a lot of people to earn their living, are
getting inoculated," he told ANI.
Over the last week, a number of people involved in the
industry - including houseboat owners, boatmen, shop vendors and taxi drivers,
can be seen around Dal Lake, where the tourism department has set up
vaccination centers.
"I want to thank the tourism department for inoculating
the people who rely on this industry for their living. This will keep the
people and their families safe from COVID-19," said Gulam Nabi Dharma,
General Secretary of the Houseboat Owners Association.
High-level officials are also monitoring the vaccination
drive personally and are creating awareness in people about the importance of
vaccination due to which thousands of dwellers living in Nigeen Lake and Dal
Lake will be safe from the virus when they resume their work and tourists from
outside will also feel safe in their presence. (ANI)
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