Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 28: On the basis of a representation by social activist Anil Paba, the Government of India, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, RD and GR, National River Conservation Directorate, Delhi, has directed to Director (Planning) Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir to take necessary action for the removal of unauthorized construction and encroachments on the bank of river Devika right from Gangera Hill to Gopal Ghat Mandir and Nainsue Temple at Udhampur.
This was informed by Paba, while displaying the Government order in this regard during a press conference, here today.
The representation was made by him to the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendera Modi and other concerned Ministry.
Paba, who is also president of Udhampur Development Council (UDC), alleged that notwithstanding a grant to the tune of Rs 186.54 crores sanctioned by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Government of India, no demarcation of Devika land, no proper plan for revival of River Devika have been made and even the unauthorized construction and encroachment have not been removed.
Paba further added that the Ministry has sanctioned a scheme for pollution abatement of river Devika at Udhampur under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). “It will be appropriate to take necessary action as deemed fit on removal of unauthorized construction and encroachments on the bank of river Devika which are causing pollution,” he said adding the Ministry has also asked the concerned authorities that action taken report may be sent directly to Anil Paba along with a copy to the Ministry.
The copy of said direction has also been sent to Ashwani Anand, Chief Engineers Urban Environment Engineering Department, and Ashwani Seth, Executive Engineer Sewerage and Drainage Division (West) Urban Environmental Engineering Department, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir for necessary action.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
