SRINAGAR: A public rift has emerged between local MLAs and the Bandipora District Administration over the latter’s absence from a conservation event organized by the fishermen’s union to address the worsening condition of Wular Lake and highlight the urgent need for lake preservation. However, the administration rebuffed the claim, stating that “they were not invited.”
Senior leaders, including Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat (Bandipora), National Conference MLAs Hilal Akbar Lone (Sonawari), Irshad Rasool Kar (Sopore), and MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone (Kreeri), joined community stakeholders at Zurimanz village on the lake’s banks, voicing strong concerns over the absence of district representatives from the gathering.
According to a statement issued here, the MLAs expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “The absence of district officials, despite invitations, is a disregard for the huge public interest and community welfare. We need an explanation for their non-attendance.”
The MLAs pointed out that despite being invited, the district administration, including the head of the district, failed to attend, an omission that stirred significant public protest.
“Their absence was at the peril of huge public interest and a community, who see these departments as their guardians,” they stated.
In response to the allegations, the District Administration issued a statement clarifying that they were not invited to the event. “No formal invitation or intimation was received from the organizers, which is why officials from the District Administration could not attend,” the statement said, adding, “The District Administration remains fully committed to supporting events organized for the benefit of the community and environment and encourages participation in all such initiatives.”
Yesterday, MLA Nizamuddin Bhat posted on X, saying: “How serious are we about public issues? We take review meetings only to get the focus and proper redressal. It is just not a photo session. Let the officers in authority at least send minutes with action proposed, action possible. @deputy commissioner Bandipora.” (KDC)
