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| Omar's close aide leads from front, PDA in slumber | | Illegal constructions in Pahalgam | |  Saahil Suhail
Early Times Report
PAHALGAM, Jan 3: Despite government imposing a blanket ban on constructions in this health resort in south Kashmir affluent and influential people are carrying out the constructions in broad day light.
Among the affluent and influential violators, Sheikh Mohammad Iqbal- a city resident and close aide of outgoing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is leading the contempt under the very nose of Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) and Municipal committee Pahalgam.
Sources said the Chief Executive Officer Pahalgam Development Authority, Mohammad Yousuf has allowed the influential Sheikh Mohammad Iqbal to store construction material for renovating the hotel premises and for constructing a hut type glass room adjacent to the his hotel- Hotel Pine Spring in Pahalgam.
They said that so far the influential hotelier has dumped over 500 cement bags illegally besides large quantity of stones, sand, bajri, metal, devari and kareb stones in hotel premises.
The hotelier is carrying out the constructions in broad day light and Pahalgam Development Authority has failed to stop the constructions, junior rank officials in PDA had told Early Times.
During visit to Pahalgam and adjacent areas this reporter found illegal constructions taking place in full swing. Illegal constructions were in full swing just a few metres away from the PDA office and renovation work was on inside Hotel Hilltop.
Similarly constructions were taking place near Mahraja Palace at Athnad, Sarbal circuit road, Movera and Sadav Padaw areas of Pahalgam.
Locals expressed anger against the authorities and requested Court to provide them alternative place for living. "PIL is not for the affluent and influential but it is for the poor residents of Pahalgam. We appeal Court to look into our grievances and provide us alternative place for living," they said.
They alleged the former government always posted corrupt and tainted officials in Pahalgam to ensure that their kith and kin vandalize this health resort. "We are not expecting any justice from them as we know they are corrupt. Top officials, including the CEO PDA and Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee, are facing serious graft charges despite that they continue to hold their positions and are minting money from the violators," alleged Ali Mohammad Dar, a resident.
On 20th of December in 2014, Chief Executive Officer PDA Mohammad Yousf had said that Hotel Pine Spring has got permission from the High Court but the documents in possession of Early Times reveal that Pahalgam Development Authority has allowed the influential hotelier to carry out the constructions in violation of the court orders.
Owner of the Hotel Pine Spring, Sheikh Mohammad Iqbal is relative and close aide of the outgoing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Tasaduq Jeelani when contacted assured action. "It is me who is demolishing the illegal constructions so I assure that the hotelier will not be allowed to violate the High Court orders," he said. |
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