PHE says pipelines were laid in 1980; Executive Engineer asks landowners to apply online for NOC
Gurez, Nov 10: Residents of Khandyal village in Gurez have sought the relocation of six water supply pipelines passing through privately owned land, alleging that their underground placement is obstructing the construction of residential houses and limiting the use of their property.
The pipelines, located near the Panchayat Ghar and a local water channel (kul), have become a point of contention between affected landowners and the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department.
The landowners alleged that the pipelines pass through their milkiyat land and were laid without their consent. They said the issue came to their notice when they planned to undertake construction of residential houses on the plots.
According to the residents, the pipes have been laid only a few inches below the ground, creating difficulties in carrying out foundation work and restricting the utilisation of their land.
The affected families said they were not seeking disruption of the existing water supply network but wanted the department to shift the pipelines towards the edge of their land to allow construction without affecting the supply to other consumers.
Responding to the issue, Executive Engineer PHE Gurez Gulzar Ahmad said the pipelines had been laid in 1980 and questioned why objections had not been raised by the landowners at the time.
He said landowners intending to undertake construction could apply online for a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which would be issued by the department.
The residents have appealed to the district administration and the concerned department to examine the matter and work out a solution that protects both public water supply infrastructure and the rights of private landowners.
Meanwhile, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez Dr Mukhtiyar Ahmad said he would take up the matter with the Executive Engineer, PHE Department, and explore the possibility of resolving the issue.
The landowners have urged the authorities to intervene, saying the matter requires a practical resolution that allows them to use their property while ensuring uninterrupted water supply to the area.
