- ‘Can’t stop people due to lack of manpower: VC LAWDA
SRINAGAR: In a blatant violation of Court rules prohibiting constructions in green belt area of Nishat, Shalimar and Harwan tourist resorts, illegal constructions have been coming up right under the nose of State authorities within 70-80 meters of red line. Locals of the area alleged that the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) officials are in deep slumber and whatsoever has been happening, happening with their consent. They said that no action is being taken against the violators given the fact that illegal constructions are taking place in broad day light.
The locals told news agency CNS that illegal structures have already been raised in Nishat near Abu Bakar (RA) Masjid and opposite Parking lot near famous Nishat Garden. “An illegal concrete residential house is being coming up at Ishbar Nishat which belongs to an influential party. The LAWDA is aware of the development but is not acting,” said a respectable citizen of Nishat alleging that the influential owner of the house has greased the palms of LAWDA officials.
According to locals, the illegal constructions have also been coming up at Friends Colony in Shalimar. A Service Station on land in possession of LAWDA has also come up there. Vice Chairman LAWDA, Mr Hafiz Masoodi blamed people for the mess. He said that though they strictly complying with the court directions but are unable to stop illegal activities due to lack of man power. “Our Enforcement Wing is comprising of five people only which can’t stop people. On the directions of Court and Monitoring Committee, IGP will hopefully provide us two companies that will be sufficient to curb illegal construction in the Green Belt,” Masoodi said.