Ganderbal, Oct 13: Despite clear directives from the high court and government ban, illegal constructions along the banks of Nallah Sindh and the roadsides of the Srinagar-Leh Highway have continued without restraint for several months in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
As per reports, influential individuals have blatantly erected these structures in defiance of explicit legal prohibitions. The high court had unequivocally ruled against any construction within 100 metres of River Sindh and the Srinagar-Leh highway. However, multiple instances of unauthorised building construction have been observed in various parts of Ganderbal’s Kangan sub-division.
Reliable sources confirm that despite the court’s strict orders, these rogue elements persist in their activities, often carrying them out in broad daylight.
Local residents in these areas have expressed their frustration over the lack of action by concerned authorities, who “seem to be mere spectators to this flagrant violation of the law”.
“It is disheartening to note that the owners of these illegal structures continue to disregard court orders with impunity, while the authorities’ inaction exacerbates the issue further,” said a local.
The illegal constructions primarily consist of hotels, restaurants, and shops, which have sprung up along the Srinagar-Leh highway and the picturesque banks of Nallah Sindh in various locations within Kangan.
This situation raises serious concerns about the rule of law and environmental preservation in the region. The residents and activists have urged the authorities to dismantle these illegal structures and uphold the court’s orders to protect the fragile ecosystem and scenic beauty of Ganderbal.
The Chief Engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department Kashmir said the flood department along with the revenue department and police have the authority to take action against these violators. He suggested that concerned parties can obtain information regarding this matter from the executive engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
