Srinagar, Jul 14, KDC: Massive illegal and unauthorized commercial constructions are allegedly continuing unabated across several parts of Srinagar, prompting growing demands for an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) probe and intervention by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to order a high-level inquiry into the violations.
Residents told Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that areas including Karan Nagar, Hyderpora, Qamarwari, HMT, Shalteng, Fruit Mandi, Soura, Lawaypora, 90-Feet Road and several other localities have witnessed a massive surge in commercial constructions over the past several months.
“This is perhaps the first time such massive commercial construction activity is taking place simultaneously across different parts of Srinagar. It raises serious questions about how these structures are coming up despite existing building regulations and the Master Plan,” a resident said.
Another resident questioned why investigating agencies, particularly the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), had not taken cognizance of the violations. “If such massive illegal and unauthorized constructions are taking place openly, why are the probing agencies watching silently? The matter deserves a thorough investigation,” he said.
(Photos of Illegal and unauthorized constructions accessed by Kashmir Dot Com)
Residents further alleged that although the SMC Enforcement Wing demolished scores of unauthorized structures during the past two days, construction work resumed at several of the same sites shortly after the demolition exercise.
“It is difficult to believe that such massive commercial structures can come up without official patronage. An independent inquiry should ascertain whether there has been any misconduct or negligence on the part of officials responsible for enforcing building laws,” another resident alleged.
(Photos of Illegal and unauthorized constructions accessed by Kashmir Dot Com)
Meanwhile, sources within the Srinagar Municipal Corporation told Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that the Chief Enforcement Officer has reportedly recommended immediate disciplinary action against the concerned ward officers, building inspectors and supervisors over alleged lapses in enforcement. The sources said enforcement teams have detected numerous cases involving major deviations from sanctioned building plans, including unauthorized additional floors, commercial use of buildings approved for residential purposes, encroachment on mandatory setbacks and construction beyond the sanctioned building footprint. They claimed that in several cases, residential permissions were being misused to construct commercial complexes in violation of the approved building plans and the Srinagar Master Plan. The sources further alleged that construction was continuing at some locations even after the expiry of permissions, while large-scale deviations from sanctioned plans had been noticed across the SMC limits.
The sources also alleged that political influence had also affected enforcement in some cases, making action difficult.
Residents demanded that an FIR be registered and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) launch an investigation into the illegal commercial constructions and the role of officials who permitted or failed to prevent the violations.
They also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to order a high-level inquiry into what they termed a “massive construction scam” and ensure that all officials, builders and others found involved are brought to justice. They also sought immediate suspension of officials found prima facie responsible, a comprehensive survey of all commercial constructions within the Srinagar Municipal Corporation limits, demolition of unauthorized structures raised in violation of the sanctioned plans and the Srinagar Master Plan.
