Srinagar, Oct 22, KNT: Locals from Mehjoor Nagar area of Srinagar city Thursday alleged that administration carried out demolition drive against ‘illegal’ structures on selective basis. They said out of 8 structures as described by Assistant Executive Engineer, Flood Spill Channel Rambagh as illegal, only two were demolished while six structures were not touched.
“This is sheer injustice towards those who are helpless and without any ‘influence’. Government Order clearly mentions the names of 8 persons holding them responsible for grabbing portions of flood spill channel, but today, only two persons were targeted while rest were not touched. It was a selective demolition drive,” locals told news agency Kashmir News Trust.
A notice Under Section 83 and 168 of J&K Water Resources Regulation & Management Act-2010 was served to 8 persons that read that these people have resorted to violation by way of constructing shops, Brick Wall, CGI Fencing, Wooden Shed, Tin Shed, concrete path, Shed on left embankment of Flood Spill Channel.
Assistant Executive Engineer Flood Spill Channel Rambagh in her notice had observed that the said encroachments have damaged the embankment and pose a serious flood threat endangering the entire locality.
Tehsildar South City was asked to lead the demolition drive with the assistance of police and SMC demolition squad.
“Ironically, shops belonging to two persons were demolished while other structures belonging to other six persons were not touched,” said locals.
When contacted, Tehsildar South Srinagar City, Mrs Rabia told KNT that she is on leave and it was Naib Tehsildar Fayaz Ahmed Baba who probably led the demolition drive.
Fayaz Ahmed Baba said he was only acting as Magistrate. “You please contact Mrs Anbreen Anjum, Assistant Executive Engineer, Flood Spill Channel.”
AEE, Flood Spill Channel, Anbreen Anjum said they removed fresh encroachments today and in coming days all the illegal structures will be demolished. “We didn’t remove CGI fencing of a woman because of privacy reasons, but we removed tin-sheds and other structures that had come up illegally. We will mobilize our own machinery in coming days to get all the illegal structures removed,” she said and appealed people for cooperation and encouragement.
“Instead of raising objections over demolition drives, people should encourage and appreciate us,” Mrs Anbreen Anjum told KNT.
