Early Times Report
Anantnag, Oct 15: BJP leader Sofi Yosuf is allegedly constructing a shopping complex illegally at his native village Srigufwara on river Lidder, despite a High Court directive banning constructions within 250 meters of river banks.
The revenue officials posted at stone's throw from the site are indifferent to the alleged illegal construction coming up along the riverside.
"We are already aware of this violation," Nazia Shah, Tehsildar Srigufwara told Early Times. "Deputy Commissioner has also visited the spot but due to floods the issue has taken a backseat. Once damage assessment is done, I will myself ensure the illegal structure is demolished," the tehsildar added.
Ironically, seven more constructions are coming up on other side of Yosuf's shopping complex. Locals told Early Times BJP leader's defiance has provoked other people to commit violations.
"When he was constructing the shopping complex, revenue officials including Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bashir Ahmad Khan visited the spot but failed to take any action against him," a resident, whishing anonymity, said.
The Deputy Commissioner last month published the High Court Directive in local newspapers warning people against any sort of violation along water bodies and river banks.
Locals fear constructions alongside river Lidder will choke the flow of water.
The tributary irrigates land of Srigufwara, Hitigam, Chinigund, Kanelwan, and dozens of other adjoining villages.
Jammu and Kashmir High Court has in the month of July this year issued a directive banning the constructions within 250 meters of rivers and has directed revenue, police and Flood Control department to implement the directions strictly. |
