Anantnag, Aug 07: Numerous structures erected “without permission” or “misused permission” in Pahalgam and adjacent villages in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district were demolished while several others were sealed on Wednesday during a drive, officials said.
Shurjeel Ali, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pahalgam, told Rising Kashmir that Pahalgam consists of two areas: one under the jurisdiction of the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) and the other classified as rural.
He said that in the PDA area, the CEO serves as the regulatory authority, while in rural areas, permission is granted by the respective Block Development Officer (BDO). “Under SRO 434 and Section 156 of the Panchayati Raj Act, the BDO is authorised to take action against illegal constructions, including demolishing structures at the violator’s expense,” he said.
The SDM said the drive aimed to regulate planned infrastructure growth, verify permissions and target illegal constructions. The drive was conducted under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag.
Ali said the operation involved a coordinated effort among multiple departments, including revenue, rural development, tourism and officials from the Roads & Buildings (R&B) department.
“During the drive, officials sealed numerous establishments operating without permission or misused permission. Besides, many structures with complete violations, lacking any documents, were demolished,” he said.
The SDM said the targeted areas included Lidroo, Shalberan, Charigam, and Dehwatoo. Approximately 15 structures were demolished and around 10 structures were sealed, he informed.
Shurjeel said that government guidelines, rules and policies aim for the “betterment” of the people and the move was in the “larger public interest”.
“The drive enforced these guidelines, demonstrating zero tolerance for illegal constructions,” he said, adding that the drives will continue against such constructions in the future.
Tarigami for amicable solution
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami has expressed serious concern over the alleged high-handedness of Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) officials against a “selective” demolition drive.
Tarigami in a statement urged the authorities to “refrain from favouring the rich and punishing the poor”. He criticised the PDA’s actions, saying that the residents of Pahalgam have been the custodians of the area’s serene ambiance for ages, and that “faulty policies” have made them suffer greatly at a huge cost.
The CPI(M) leader demanded an amicable and holistic solution to the issues facing the people of Pahalgam. “The PDA must ensure that no one is allowed to disturb the fragile ecology of Pahalgam,” he said.
