Illegal constructions in Handwara: EO suspended, inquiry ordered

Srinagar, March 11: Given the rise of illegal construction in Handwara town and grave issues with respect to mismanagement, lack of administrative acumen, and failure to provide necessary public services, deputy commissioner Kupwara on Monday put Executive Officer MC Handwara under suspension with immediate effect.
The development comes days after the government-initiated inquiry against the Chairman of the Municipal Committee, Handwara, for “misconduct” as mushroom growth of illegal construction is taking place in Handwara.
An order issued by Deputy Commissioner Kupwara reads, “The issue of irregular building permissions in Handwara town has also come to the forefront, where an inquiry is being conducted by the administrative department, but still, illegal constructions are on the rise.”
It said, serious issues of maintaining sanitary conditions, shifting of garbage, and media reports thereon have come to the forefront in Handwara and Kupwara towns.
The order further reads that the Executive Officer has been directed about the same, but there is a total negligence in compliance and delivering routine duties, which deserves punitive action as warranted under Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification Control and Appeal) Rules 1956.
“Issues of irregular building permissions in Handwara town have also come to the forefront, where an enquiry is being conducted by the administrative department, but still illegal constructions are on the rise,” reads the order.
In view of the above, Farooq Ahmad Executive Officer, MC Handwara, with the additional charge of MC Kupwara, is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect and attached to this office. The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, shall conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and furnish his report to this office within fifteen (15) days.
Further, Imran Ahmad, Tehsildar Machi, shall hold the charge of Chief Executive Officer, M.C. Kupwara, and Mr. Shahbaz Ahmad, Tehsildar Handwara, shall hold the charge of Executive Officer, M.C. Handwara, in addition to their own duties, until a suitable replacement is made by the government, reads the order.