Details

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 26 February 2020

• 95 encroachments identified in ongoing process

SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has ordered a comprehensive audit of encroachments and illegal constructions along the Jhelum River. A team headed by District Statistics & Evaluation Officer and comprising Executive Engineers of Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Tehsildars and other associated officials has initiated the audit on ground.

Illegal constrictions raised without permission will also be audited and apart from action against encroachers proceedings will also be recommended against negligent officials in view of stringent building construction rules along the river and flood spill channels. During the initial audit as many as 95 encroachments have been identified. Directions have been issued to Assistant Commissioner Revenue to publish the names of encroachers asking to remove the encroachments and vacate the land within two weeks. Further action will be taken on subsequent reports of the audit committee.

The officials have also observed building permissions obtained in prohibited zones of Jhelum river and flood spill channels over a period of time without obtaining the mandatory NOC of the flood control department. The audit will be completed in two weeks' time which will be followed by a detailed investigation in each case and initiation of criminal proceedings. A team of revenue officials has been constituted by DC Srinagar for strong legal action in each case. These steps are being taken to safeguard the waterbodies, spill channels and river embankments.