Despite repeated directives from the high court aimed at preserving the natural beauty of rivers in the Kashmir Valley, several illegal constructions have come up along the banks of River Sindh in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
The law mandates maintaining a one-hundred-metre buffer zone from riverbanks for any construction, and also obtaining proper permissions from the district administration to preserve the aesthetic integrity of rivers.
The photographic evidence available show unlawful construction projects coming along the edges of Nallah Sindh from Wayil to Rezan in the district, in clear violation of the high court’s rulings.
Even though Tehsildar Kangan had previously sealed some structures in the Doctors Colony Prang Kangan in response to media reports, fresh encroachments have surfaced, raising concerns among the public.
Sources reveal that elected representatives, including panchayat members, sarpanchs, BDC and DDC officials are involved in these activities.
Questions have been raised about the apparent inaction of administrative officers, including the Sub Divisional Magistrate of Kangan and the Tehsildar Kangan, as well as other relevant departments.
Local residents, alarmed over the future of Nallah Sindh, are questioning whether the law applies only to the underprivileged.
“The influential people seem to disregard the high court’s rulings, and the authorities are acting as mute spectators,” they said.
They have appealed to the judges of the High Court to thoroughly examine this matter and direct necessary action against officers allegedly involved in supporting illegal constructions—(KNO)
