Purging Illegal Constructions in Kashmir

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The rapid urbanization marked with erection of lofty mega structures in city peripheries especially in Srinagar is considered as a symbol of progress and development. But there exists a serious catch in it that is often neglectfully dealt with by the administration.

Most of these constructions and rapid inhabitations are being carried out over agricultural land and forest covers, which is in absolute violation of the existing law. In Srinagar alone, we can witness gigantic multi-storied buildings constructed at the immediate banks of river Jhelum while festooned hotels and lavish restaurants continue to pour waste into the world renowned Dal Lake. Even multiple buildings are being illegally constructed at the peripheries of Shalimar and Harwan.

The areas demarcated in the recent Srinagar City Master Plan Report (2035) as city forest covers and flood spill channels, especially from Pampore (bypass road) to Lasjan, has numerous business edifices that were constructed years before despite having clear prohibitions.

The silent approval of these illegal constructions remain as a blot on the administrative services of the previous governments wherein rich, influential and the ones close to power corridors enjoyed a criminal impunity while as poor families had to face immense harassment, even demolition, for constructing a one-room shelter for their children.

Regrettably, such dereliction of duty and abuse of authority continues to this very day. May it be Gulmarag, Pahalgam, Sonamarg or any other tourist destination; there are clear directions from the Jammu and Kashmir High Court which bars any kind of construction at these places.

But ever-so-often, the newspapers and media platforms are jam-packed with advertisements announcing the opening of new hotels at these restricted places. Shamefully, it is really easy to silence the concerned voices who care about the rule of law while it is equally hard to kill the virus of corruption in our social fabric.

Astonishingly, even after complaints against the illegal structures all we witness is a lackadaisical attitude of the concerned official or in some rare cases a flimsy and cosmetic demolition. Unless, the rational and responsible citizens of our society stand against this vicious menace that is eating into the vitals of our society, we will be sooner witnessing magnanimous hotels built in the middle of Dal Lake and unending colonies into the expanse of forests covers of Chatterhama.

Though facing difficulties, intimidations and even flattering calls, Kashmir Despatch, with all its sincerity and dedication towards unveiling these anti-social elements, will continue its fights against such a lot who presume themselves to be above law. 

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