Srinagar, April 26 -- BySyed Sammar Mehdi

Morning light spread over the Zabarwan mountains on April 26, turning Dal Lake the colour of burnished copper. Vendors arranged flowers along the boulevard near Ghat No. 16 while shikaras drifted through the early haze.

Near the dock, one boat drew unusual attention.

Its canopy held solar panels instead of decorative cloth. Walnut woodwork framed the cabin interior. Symbols of Kashmir's heritage ran along the painted sides.

Officials, conservationists and boatmen gathered around it as cameras clicked and school representatives leaned forward to listen.

The vessel arrived with a purpose larger than sightseeing.

Organizers called itThe Nature Shikara, a floating classroom designed to teach vis...