Srinagar, April 19 -- As per an official order, all shikaras must be registered with the Tourism Department and display their registration numbers clearly. Any unauthorized or unregistered shikara found in operation will be seized immediately, it reads.

"Life jackets are now compulsory, with each shikara required to carry jackets equal to or more than the number of passengers. Child-sized jackets must be made available if minors are onboard. No shikara will be allowed to operate unless every passenger is wearing proper safety gear."

Additionally, each shikara must display its maximum passenger capacity, registration number, and emergency contact numbers of the tourism police, disaster response teams, and nearby fire and rescue stations....