Sonamarg Development Authority demolishes illegal tin sheds

Ganderbal, July 04: The Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) demolished several illegally erected tin sheds at the Sonamarg health resort of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Thursday.
Sources confirmed that these structures were built without proper authorization in an area where both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court have enforced a complete ban on illegal constructions. This ban, instituted by the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court in 2017, aims to preserve the natural beauty of Sonamarg and prevent further unauthorized building activities.
Acting swiftly on receiving information about the illegal sheds, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SDA dispatched a team equipped with a JCB machine to carry out the demolitions.
To further enforce the ban, the SDA has established a toll post at Shutkadi, Sonamarg. This post is manned 24/7 by SDA employees to prevent construction materials from entering Sonamarg. Additionally, CCTV cameras have been installed at the toll post to monitor and record any attempts to smuggle construction materials into the area during the night.
The SDA has issued a stern warning to local hotel owners, stating that any future involvement in illegal construction activities will result in legal action. This measure underscores the authority’s commitment to maintaining the pristine condition of Sonamarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.