Multinational transport company Uber’s new offer has been released ‘Uber Shikara’ at Dal LakeThe spotlight has shone on the profession.
For decades, no tourist’s itinerary in the Jammu and Kashmir Valley is complete without a joyride on the Shikara, an ornate wooden boat carrying passengers, on Dal Lake. More than 4,000 shikara operators or shikarawalas depend on boats for their livelihood – from Dal Lake to Nigen Lake, Mansbal Lake to Jhelum River.
While Uber Shikara is expected to revolutionize business in Dal Lake, many are concerned about the entry of large corporate entities into the Shikara region. Let’s explain.
Why do tourists come to Dal Lake?
Dal Lake is a freshwater lake spread over 18 square kilometers in the heart of Srinagar city. It has a coastline of about 16 kilometers and is surrounded by the Zabarwan Mountains on one side.
The lake is flanked by historic Mughal gardens such as Nishat and Shalimar and adjacent to the Hazratbal Temple. It is also home to the island of Rupa Lank, also known as Four Poplars, where there are four old and large poplar trees. In addition, visitors frequent the floating garden and the vegetable and flower market.
How are hunts currently conducted in the lake?
The lake is dotted with hundreds of houseboats, which are loved by both tourists looking for a memorable experience and locals looking for respite from the summer heat.
Shikara is the only way to reach the houseboats docked inside the lake and visitors booked for overnight stay. According to Wali Mohammad Bhat, President of the Shikara Association, since there are more than 3,000 Shikaras in Dal Tal, they have been fixed at Rs 800 per hour.
However, things operate differently based on supply and demand, so tourists are often charged the full amount, while locals are often offered discounts. Tourists benefit from off-season discounts, and can choose to book a joyride for a shorter period.
How does Uber Shikara work?
‘Uber Shikara’ is a pilot project launched by Uber. For the first fortnight, the Transport Service has deployed five hunters operating only from one port, Ghat 16, in Dal Lake. There are 30 ghats or climbing points inside the lake, most of them on Boulevard Road.
The ‘Uber Shikara’ service is currently only available from 10 am to 5 pm. Uber only offers joyrides in one-hour slots, and allows a maximum of four passengers at a time.
Bhatt said Uber will compensate Shikarwalas at existing government rates, plus commissions on top of these fees.
Some hunters including Bhat said that this is a good initiative and will bring transparency. “The fees will remain uniform, which will help make the business transparent,” says Bhat. Proponents say that Shikara’s online booking will make it easier for tourists and help increase business.
Opponents of the move say they fear the move will bring in big corporations that will put local poor hunters out of business. They gave the example of local taxi drivers in Kerala.