Srinagar, Apr 15: Local residents of Wanihama Gasoo at Batpora in summer capital Srinagar are facing a dire situation due to the blatant illegal conversion of land.
Locals of the area told Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com that “A significant portion of land, officially designated as orchard and city forests/Green Zone within the Hazratbal tehsil, is being unlawfully converted into residential plots. This area falls within a strictly non-construction zone according to the Master Plan 2035, making residential development impermissible, they said.
The local mafia has erected dwellings and divided the land into residential plots in violation of regulations, they alleged adding that they have allegedly compromised the integrity of relevant revenue offices and local enforcers of land-use regulations to facilitate their unlawful activities.
Several plots have already been sold at exorbitant rates, with dissenting voices suppressed through coercion or inducements. Satellite images from Google Earth provide evidence of showing residential structures and demarcated plots.
Locals of the area have requested Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Vice Chairman LACMA to hold those responsible accountable and safeguard the land’s sanctity. Swift and resolute action is necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect the community’s interests, they added. (KDC)
