Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 16: In complete defiance of High Court orders, illegal constructions continue unabated in the Ganderbal district, particularly along the Nallah Sindh, while the authorities appear to be inactive.
According to reports, these unlawful constructions span from Wayul to Gagangeer, encompassing a variety of structures, including residential and commercial buildings.
Local residents have expressed their concern that these constructions are being undertaken by influential individuals, while the authorities seem helpless, taking selective action and largely failing in their enforcement efforts.
Sources have revealed that a complex, which was constructed illegally, was recently sealed by the relevant authorities in Doctor’s Colony, Preng. However, it is alarming that construction work has not ceased and is continuing right under the noses of the authorities.
It is essential to note that the High Court has explicitly prohibited any construction within 100 meters of the River Sindh. Nevertheless, the proliferation of unauthorized constructions has raised serious questions about the authorities’ vigilance.
On the other hand, officials have affirmed their commitment to taking necessary actions whenever violations are reported. They have emphasized their dedication to launching a comprehensive anti-encroachment campaign in the coming days.
Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Shyambir Singh, informed Excelsior that the administration has been consistently taking appropriate action in response to reports of illegal constructions, and this proactive stance will continue in the future.
Nadeem Mattoo, Executive Engineer of Irrigation & Flood Control (I & FC) in Ganderbal, explained that they are actively addressing violations in the district whenever they are reported. In the past month, he said, 10-15 structures, that were illegally erected, have been either demolished or sealed
“The issue of illegal constructions has been addressed with the relevant departments, and we have formulated a comprehensive anti-encroachment program, which will be sent to the concerned ground officers to begin this month,” he stated.
He also acknowledged a shortage of staff on the ground, which has led to delays in the notification of such violations and, consequently, delays in enforcement.
“But we are making the necessary arrangements, and we will take the required action with greater intensity. The first anti-encroachment campaign under this comprehensive program will commence in the Preng area,” he added.
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