1300 illegal constructions along Lidder Nallah, HC seeks details D A RASHID SmallerDefaultLarger Srinagar, Mar 5: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the state government to file a detailed report on nearly 1300 illegal constructions that have come along the banks of Lidder Nallah and its tributaries in Pahalgam area of South Kashmir. A division bench of Chief Justice M M Kumar and Justice Hasnain Massodi sought details on the constructions after perusing the compliance report by Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, attesting 1280 illegal structures within 200 meters of banks of the Sheshnag Nalla and Aru nalla of Nalla Lidder. The report that does not disclose the date of their construction, states that the constructions have come up from Rangward and Mandlan to Nonwan base camp. “It becomes necessary to find out the details of constructions and the approximate dates of their construction because 540 encroachments fall within 50 meters of the water bodies whereas 287 fall within 51 to 100 meters and rest of 453 structures fall within the radius of 101 to 200 meters,” the division bench said while seeking the status report before the next hearing. Besides, the court asked 10 persons accused of carrying out violations to file reply to show cause notices within four weeks before the Principal District and Sessions Judge Anantnag (Islamabad). The district judge has been directed to file report, if any, within two weeks afterwards before the High Court. While the Court listed the matter for next hearing on April 9, the CE, I&FC and District Development Commissioner Anantnag have been directed to ensure no construction is carried in violation of court directions. The court said in the order of July 17, 2013 it has been clarified that if any construction within the radius of 200 meters on either side of the banks of river Lidder was found to be in progress, then the authorities would be competent to demolish the same without any procedural difficulties. In his affidavit, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, stated flagrant violations were committed by five persons, saying notices have been served against them under section 83 of the Water Resources and Management Act, 2010. He said illegal construction activities have been stopped with the assistance of District Administration. He said the violators are: Ghulam Hassan Wani, son in law of Abdul Gaffar Wani of Anzulla, Ghulam Rasool Bhat son of Abdul Rehman Bhat of Anzula, Zonal Educational Officer, Mattan through Tauseef Ahmad Dar of Vailnagabal, Mushtaq Ahmad Sathoo of Anantnag and Zonal Education Officer, Mattan. CEO Pahalgam development Authority has stated that Draft Revised Master Plan and Land Use Plan” were already published for inviting objections from general public. He, however, stated that due to inclement weather and request made by the residents, the cut-off date has been extended to 15-3-2014 and after objections would be considered, the Master Plan as well as Land Use Plan would be finalized
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 02:58:49 +0000