Illegal Hotels Razed on Nallah Sindh, but Accountability Missing: Who Allowed These Buildings to Come Up
KNT Correspondent
Ganderbal, Nov 25, KNT: The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has carried out a demolition drive along the Nallah Sindh in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, removing multiple illegal structures in Doctors Colony Preng, Ganiwan, Rezan, Bagh Pati, Surfraw Sutruna Kangan and Yechhama.
Officials said the action was taken in line with court directions that prohibit any construction within 100 metres of the Nallah Sindh. Several structures, including newly built houses, huts and portions of hotel buildings, were demolished during the operation.
Locals told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that while the action was necessary to safeguard the water body, a larger question remains unanswered: why did the concerned departments stay silent during the construction phase. They said the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Revenue authorities and other allied wings failed to enforce the restrictions when the structures were being raised, and only act after public or media attention brings violations to light.
Locals alleged that some officials remain dormant during the crucial period when illegal foundations are laid and buildings come up, and later pass responsibility by resorting to demolitions. They urged the government to identify officials who neglected their duties and to ensure stern action against those who permitted or ignored violations.
“The most important question is who gives NOCs for raising such structures?, said a local shopkeeper.
Several inhabitants demanded formation of a high powered committee to fix accountability within the concerned departments, stating that preventing illegal construction is more effective than demolishing completed structures.
Sources said that the incumbent Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Department has snubbed the Executive Engineer and the other officials for showing laxity when the illegal structures were coming up.
Officials said further action will continue as per court directions. [KNT]
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