Sheikh Nadeem
A joint team of officials from Pahalgam Development Authority and Revenue seized bricks from residents of Lidroo, after claiming that the residents had violated the administration’s order by constructing a house in Lidroo, Pahalgam.
The area falls within the jurisdiction of the Pahalgam Development Authority, which said that the construction was in clear violation of Pahalgam Master Plan.
As per the C.E.O. Pahalgam Development Authority, Pahalgam is a fragile and ecologically sensitive area and to prevent unplanned development, construction activity is regulated by Pahalgam Master Plan and BOCA rules. He appealed people to refrain from taking up any construction work without taking permission from the. competent authority.
Meanwhile, the residents of Lidroo accused the PDA and said that if the area fell under the jurisdiction of the PDA why did none of the employees visit the area.
“Neither has any development or progress been seen since the past few years in the drainage system or the installation of lights. The area lacks basic facilities. We live in sheds. The residents are suffering and we don’t want to include our selves under the PDA,” a local woman added.
“They visited the area out of the blue and forcibily took our bricks. We appeal that the Lieutenant Governor’s administration intervenes. We seek justice from them,” the residents said.
The Kashmiriyat contacted concerned C.E.O., Masrat Hamshi, who told us that the area fell under the jurisdiction of PDA. He, who violates government orders will be dealt under strict law, he said.
“And as per the Master Plan, we have to develop and boost tourist destinations. And if there has been no developmental process since years, they should have approached the concerned B.D.O. and the ward members and putforth their genuine demands in office so that their genuine demands get solved,” he added.
It is pertinent to mention that during demolision drive at Mavra, the Tehsildar Pahalgam had said that they were maintaining a constant vigil around illegal constructions. He also said that unauthorized construction activity will not be allowed and defaulters will penalized as per law.