Govt cracks whip on encroachers

Srinagar, August 4

The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) continued the demolition drive in Srinagar for the third consecutive day today and warned people against illegal constructions.

Officials said several illegal constructions that had been raised around the Dal Lake and other parts of Srinagar by some unscrupulous elements, while taking the advantage of the prevailing law and order situation, were removed by the enforcement authorities of LAWDA and the SMC during the drive.

According to the LAWDA Enforcement Officer, five structures were demolished inside the Dal Lake today with the assistance of the police.

The SMC Commissioner and the LAWDA Vice-Chairman have cautioned the people against indulging in encroachments under the garb of the prevailing situation. “We are seeking the cooperation of residents to help us prevent the historic city of Srinagar from falling prey to the greed of the encroachers and land-grabbers,” said an official.

Officials said residents of various localities in Srinagar were complaining that illegal structures were coming up around the green belt.

“Many people have approached the SMC and LAWDA and pleaded for stern action against those involved in the construction of illegal structures in the city,” said an official.

Meanwhile, an official spokesman said anybody who wanted to inform the authorities about the encroachments and illegal constructions in their respective areas could also contact the CM’s Grievance Cell on 0194-2500750, 0194-2483236 and 0194-2500643. — TNS