, April 19 -- Days after a boat capsizing incident, the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, has issued a set of mandatory safety guidelines to prevent mishaps and ensure smooth operations.

As per an official order, a copy of which lies with the news agency-Kashmir News Observer (KNO), 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 w...