Illegal structures coming up under the nose of Ward Officer

Srinagar, June 1: Imagine a situation where in a Ward Officer acting as mute spectator allowing unscrupulous elements to raise constructions and his immediate boss in a bid to buy time, instead of taking action against him writing to Commissioner, suggesting him to form a committee to ascertain the facts.

Illegal constructions galore on the banks of river Jehlum right from Noorbagh area to Krushabl here in Srinagar city. The area falls under the jurisdiction of Ward Officer, Ward 18 and 19.

When Ward Officer was asked why he doesn’t stop these illegal constructions, he told news agency KNT that these structures will be demolished on June 3 this month, as per the order issued by Chief Enforcement Officer.

“Illegal structures are coming up right from Noorbagh to Krushabl area including Gata Colony, Guzarbal, Shunglipora, Pamposh Colony, New Colony Palapora, Gooripora, Bank Colony and Banda Colony. Once the structures will come up, they won’t be demolished,” said a local.

An official at Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on condition of anonymity said that Ward Officer in this case is a puppet as there is political interference. “Illegal structures are coming up with the help of local Corporator,” he said.

Ward Officer Bashir Ahmed admitted that illegal structures are coming up but said these will be demolished on 3 June.

Ward Officer in a written communiqué to then Chief Enforcement Officer Ghulam Rasool Dar had admitted that there is mushroom growth of illegal and unauthorized constructions going on in his ward 18 and 19. He wrote this to Chief Enforcement Officer on 14th of last month while in response the then Chief Enforcement Officer directed him to proceed for execution of demolition of these illegal structures on 3 June.

When this Reporter asked the then Chief Enforcement Officer why he took so long if he had received letter on 14 May, he said it needs demolition team assisted by police to do the job and this mobilization takes time. When asked why Ward Officer acted as mute spectator from May 14 till date while illegal construction is still going on, he said it is the fault of Ward Officer but quickly added that he is helpless before the local Corporator.

“I have written a letter to Commissioner SMC suggesting him to constitute a committee under Joint Commissioner Planning to see under whose behest these illegal structures are being raised,” the then Chief Enforcement Officer said adding that he has now been transferred and can’t pursue the matter.

The new Chief Enforcement Officer Syed Nisar told KNT that if Ward Officer would have acted honestly and dutifully, these illegal structures would not have been come up. “I am here to do the job. It is my 2nd day in office and I will see to it,” he added.

Commissioner SMC, Ghazanfar Ali told KNT that he will order for the demolition of these illegal structures if any without any delay. (KNT)