SRINAGAR, June 16 -- Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday reiterated the government's commitment to preserving Kashmir's historic houseboat heritage and addressing the concerns of communities dependent on the sector.

The assurance came during a meeting with a delegation of the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (AKHBOA) at the Civil Secretariat here. The meeting was also attended by MLA Tanvir Sadiq.

Rana said the houseboat sector represents an important part of Kashmir's cultural identity and remains a key pillar of the tourism economy. He added that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to safeguarding this heritage while supporting the...