Early Times Report
Srinagar, Sept 3: The J&K High Court has barred Deputy Commissioner Srinagar from finalizing a probe into the construction of a hotel on the banks of Jhelum in Raj Bagh area of the capital city. Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, who was earlier directed by the state government to enquire into the grant of permission for the construction of the hotel on Jhelum bank, has been however allowed to carry on the probe. "In the meantime, subject to the objections, respondents shall go ahead with the enquiry. However, they shall not finalize the report till next date before the bench," reads the High Court order. Former Governor N N Vohra-led administration had ordered a probe after complaints regarding the construction reached Raj Bhawan. Vohra had constituted a committee to conduct an 'in-depth probe'. "Sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of a committee to conduct in-depth enquiry into the grant of permission of building permission for construction of commercial complex by Sheikh Gulzar Ahmad, son of Habibullah Sheikh," reads the government order, a copy of which is with Early Times. Deputy Commissioner Srinagar was the chairman of the committee that was formed as per government order No. 30-GAD (Vig) of 2018 dated 20-07-2018.
Special Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Vice Chairman Srinagar Development Authority, Director Floriculture, Representative of I&FC department but not below the rank of Superintending Engineer and Representative of PW (R&B) but not below the rank of Superintending Engineer are the members of the enquiry committee.
The committee was asked to establish the ownership of land, whether state land/ Khacheri land which is not allowed to be sold as per the provisions of J&K land revenue Act. Committee was also directed to establish whether the land use of the present site falling in the Srinagar Municipal Corporation was commercial and whether the construction at the site was as per the permission obtained earlier.
The committee was also directed to check deviation if any and was asked to submit the report within four weeks. |
