The embankment of Nehru Park on a Dal Lake island has given way. Its fancy lights have been damaged. The Nehru Park restaurant has been occupied by the Fire Services Department.

The buildings has been the base of many a Bollywood unit to capture the panoramic view of the Dal Lake. According to authoritative sources, the building would be soon razed.

Since 1998 there has been a modest revival in the ferrying business of shikarawallahs (boatmen) around the park.

"Instead of dismantling it, the state government should renovate the building", says shikarawallah Ghulam Mohammad at Chinar Ghat. The Fire Services Department, which has even locked up the toilets should vacate the premises , says another shikarawallah.

The Tourism Department Director General Mohammad Ashraf says Fire Services officials are adamant on keeping the toilets locked up. Moreover the building, according to the officials, is an ideal location to contain the blaze from any quarter.