| PDA shelves HC directive, allows illegal constructions | | | Saahil Suhail
ET Report
PAHALGAM, Dec 20: In a total disrespect to the High Court directive, Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) has evidently allowed affluent violators, having political and bureaucratic patronage to plunder the fragile environment of this world class tourist resort in south Kashmir by allowing them to raise illegal structures.
Residents of Movera village told Early Times affluent violators resumed construction of the illegal structures prior to elections and it's still continuing.
During a daylong visit to Pahalgam and adjacent areas which were notified in 2013 and brought under the PIL, Early Times found constructions taking palace in broad day light. In Movera a hotel owner near illegally constructed huts of Tariq Ahmad Tang-influential Son-in-Law of Congress leader Taj Mohi-ud-Din was constructing a gate and concrete path for the hotel he has raised illegally. The same violator was digging the land and leveling it by using heavy machines including JCB. "PDA properly allowed us to resume construction works. PDA employees (squad) just left from here," said, a local, who was supervising the construction works on behalf of the hotel owner who is a city resident. However, the supervisor refused to disclose his identity. "Why they will not allow us to construct? You don't know High Court has quashed the PIL," he argued.
Much to surprise, he said that PDA employees informed them that High Court has quashed the PIL and everyone is free to raise structures.
In Phalgam violations are taking place at several places.
The PDA officials told Early Times that Pahalgam residents were allowed to repair the already existing structure keeping in mind the political considerations and atmosphere.
"No one was allowed to construct any commercial structure." The CEO Pahalgam Development Authority, M Yousf claimed, adding Hotel Pine Spring (which has come up on forest land) has got permission from the High Court.
Similarly violations are taking place in Veersern, Yaneer, Serchain, Gujaran Batkkot, Batakoot, Ganishpora, Hurdu Kichroo and Amard Wargd partl under the "watchful eyes" of PDA officials. |
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