Anantnag, Aug 08: Altaf Kaloo, former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and senior leader of the National Conference (NC) has condemned the demolition drive in Pahalgam, asserting that “poor people’s residential houses were targeted” despite having “permission”.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Kaloo criticised the “selective” approach of the demolition drive.
He questioned the actions of the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), alleging that the demolished drive was conducted in rural areas including Lidroo, Botkote, Dehwathu, Vir Siran, Awoora, Chhanigam, Yanier, Wahdan and Dachee villages, which do not fall under the PDA’s jurisdiction.
“If the PDA is a Pahalgam Development Authority, what were they doing in these villages?” he asked. “This is very unfortunate. I request the LG administration and the District Development Commissioner to look into this concern.”
Citing existing regulations, the former MLA said that violations related to residential constructions should incur a penalty of Rs 5,000, and Rs 10,000 for commercial constructions, with additional penalties if violations persist, rather than resorting to demolition. He said that residents should have been served notice for any violations.
“We stand by the people and oppose this demolition decision. We are prepared to go to any length to address the people’s issues and support their wishes,” Kaloo said. “People are constructing on their own land, and while the government has simplified the process of obtaining permissions, the concerned department has complicated it.”
The NC leader further said that the master plan for Pahalgam has been framed up to 2032, questioning the need for changes midway. “After the disposal of the PIL, the court has provided guidelines on granting permissions, which should be adhered to by the departments involved,” he said.
Quoting Rule 156 from the Panchayati Raj Rules, Kaloo said, “After serving penalties, a notice is served; but it is a total “blind law” that was done in Pahalgam.”
The government should follow the procedure and deal with the people, he said.
