Abrar A. Mattoo
SRINAGAR : Lake is the most iconic landmarks of Kashmir’s heritage. Unfortunately, the human footprint puts the lake in a volatile situation. Accordingly, the construction of any kind – in and around – the Dal lake has been categorically prohibited by the government. Nevertheless, some influential people are securing the constructions of their palatial houses and other enterprises, through deceit and power.
It’s pertinent to mention here, that the residential areas surrounding the Dal-Lake fall in the jurisdiction of LAWDA (Lakes and Waterways Development Authority). The Srinagar Municipal Corporation has no authority in these areas when it comes to curbing illegal construction or granting building permissions. In that regard, Lawda is the only competent authority.
Naturally, the fingers are rising at LAWDA for failing to curb the illegal construction.
“Though the poor and humble people living on the shores of the Dal Lake are not allowed to even lay a brick on their houses, I wonder how the rich and influential are managing to raise all these constructions? Apparently, favors are being meted out to some individuals in exchange for money and power,” Tariq Ahmad, a local resident from Nishat commented while objecting to the construction raised by G.Q. Wani, a former bureaucrat.
Surprisingly, the Public Water Works department has also been raising concern over the unchecked constructions near the Dal Lake, especially in the upper reaches, above the Dachigam-Nishat water canal that carries the water to the Nishat Filtration plant. Pertinently, the Nishat Water treatment plant caters drinking water to more than four lakh citizens of the Srinagar city.
Ironically, in addition to being in a no-construction zone, the construction raised by G.Q. Wani is both adjacent to the filtration plant, as well as above the Dachigam-Nishat Water Canal.
“Since it would risk polluting the drinking water in the canal, the department of Public Water Works has refrained from issuing any No-Objection certificate to the individuals who wish to construct concrete structures above the canal. However, the subject of Mr. Wani’s construction has already been broached with the concerned LAWDA officials. The discretion of further action does not lie with the Public Water Works department,” added Mohammad Iqbal Shah, Junior Executive Engineer, Filtration Plant Nishat.
However, when Kashmir Despatch attempted to reach the concerned officials from Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, they were unavailable for comments.
Meanwhile, the constructions are going on.
