Dal Lake, the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir,’ is admired for its beauty, yet life on its waters tells another story. Tourists see serenity, but residents face daily struggles.

The lake reflects Kashmiri craftsmanship through its houseboats, with carved cedar and teak woodwork, colourful carpets, and traditional furnishings that showcase culture and tradition. Alongside this beauty, mornings bring activity as the locals row shikaras to floating vegetable and fruit markets, vital for the community’s daily needs.

But beneath the charm lies neglect as well. Inner neighbourhoods like Kand Mohalla lack proper roads and bridges, forcing residents, including students, to depend on shikaras. Municipal services also fail these areas — while tourist spots are cleaned, the inner sections are ignore

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