Jammu and Kashmir have come a long way during this pandemic to showcase the government’s willingness and its people towards helping the community and making the most of the situation. Recently the Union Territory announced its plan to organise winter games and food festival to lure tourists.And now, Srinagar has started its first floating ambulance to provide healthcare benefits to tourists and people living in the area. Amid this great news, the entire Dal Lake froze due to the cold wave in Srinagar. Tourists who visited the valley found the frozen Dal Lake to be the ultimate highlight of their trip. Let’s find out more.
Dal Lake In Srinagar Freezes Amid Cold Winter
A cold wave has grappled the plains of Kashmir and led to the freezing of the iconic Dal Lake amid the winter season. Locals stated to The Republic that they are witnessing such a cold wave after years. According to Hindustan Times, a local revealed to ANI “I was very young when the whole lake froze, and this year we are approaching the same position. The cold is excruciating. We are hoping that there will be some snowfall soon”.
Tourists who visited Srinagar found the frozen Dal lake to be the highlight of their vacation. A tourist from Jharkhand told the news agency that the Dal lake was a memorable sight and he would cherish it for life. He stated to Hindustan Times “I came here for the first time. We came to the Vaishno Devi shrine and decided to extend our trip to Srinagar. The detour was a good decision as I have never seen a frozen lake. I will always remember this sight. We are enjoying our trip a lot, but it is very cold here.”
Srinagar Gets Floating Ambulance On Dal Lake Thanks To Houseboat Owner Tariq Ahmad Patloo
Srinagar has started the first boat ambulance service to provide emergency care. These boats are equipped with all necessary healthcare facilities and will start their operations on Dal Lake soon.The idea of a floating ambulance was conceived by Tariq Ahmad Patloo. This houseboat-owner tested positive for coronavirus two months back. So, he used a friend’s boat to visit a hospital. His personal experience inspired him to arrange for boat ambulance services in Srinagar.
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DNA reported that, when Tariq tested positive, nobody came forward to help him except his friend, who gave him his boat to reach the hospital. He realized the need for an ambulance service so that nobody else suffers like him. The plan to develop an emergency services boat came to light to treat people in desperate need of help. It is especially catered towards people who are living near the Dal lake area.
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Boat Ambulance To Provide Health Care Service To People During Emergency
Tariq also added, “The ambulance will provide proper health services to people during an emergency. I will try my best to keep all basic facilities including oxygen cylinder, ECG, Oximeter, wheelchair and stretcher, and a toll-free number written on it so that people can contact easily.” He further stated that Dal lake residents face dozens of problems, including health-related issues, and are not getting proper treatment at the time of emergency. So, this floating ambulance, which is under process, will play a vital role in saving the life of dwellers of Dal Lake ever in the future.
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This floating ambulance will also be helpful towards tourists as well. This is because, during peak tourist season, thousands of people worldwide visit the Valley. If they fall sick, they need treatment. So with this floating ambulance service people can get timely treatment in Srinagar. Until you visit Srinagar, here’s a virtual tour to take you to India’s paradise.