J&K: Srinagar’s Dal Lake gets Shikara ambulance service

Srinagar,18, Dec:Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar will get its first floating ambulance which will benefit thousands of people living in the area. Equipped with health facilities, the ambulance service will start operation in Dal Lake soon.

Dal Lake in Srinagar has received its first Shikara Ambulance. Tariq Patloo, who is the father of 5-year-old Jannat(a girl who cleaned Dal) came up with the idea during the Covid times and finally managed to make a first of its kind ambulance for the people living on the banks of the lake. This ambulance service will be operational soon in Jammu and Kashmir Valley.

Tariq Ahmad said,” he faced immense difficulties in going to the hospital. Tariq Ahmad Patloo, a houseboat owner, thought of the concept of floating ambulance service when he tested positive for Covid-19, two-three months back, and needed help to visit a hospital. He said nobody was ready to escort him from his houseboat when he was infected.”

Tariq Patloo further said, “at that time when I tested positive for coronavirus, nobody came forward to help me except my friend and brother who provided me a boat to reach the hospital. It hurt me a lot and I decided to make a special floating ambulance on a boat aimed to help thousands of dwellers who are living in houseboats.  I designed it myself and it took me almost 25 days, my project is 90% complete to date, just only 10% is pending, and very soon it will be put into service.

Tariq said 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. This facility will save time to reach a hospital. It will be helpful to tourists as well. Tariq Patloo is the father of 5-year-old girl Jannat who gained much fame for her efforts of keeping the Dal Lake clean.

Bilal Ahmad a local resident said that it’s a very good step taken by Tariq Patloo and it will be very beneficial for all the residents of Dal Lake as well as for tourists ,who face inconvenience ,especially during late hours due to lack of transport and health facilites.Adding that sometimes they  have  patients who need emergency check-ups, so it will be easy for them to carry the patient from interior Dal Lake to the main road.