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| Amid political uncertainty, ex-Minister 'grabs' Jhelum bund | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 11: Amid "political uncertainty" and in brazen violation of High Court directives, a former minister from the previous cabinet led by Mufti Muhammad Sayeed has allegedly encroached upon river banks near Sheikh Bagh here and is getting constructed a concrete barrack for his security staff, whom he wants to be shifted to the new accommodation, in the vicinity of his palatial house.
The officials of Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC) said the concrete construction under taken by the man, who was a minister till a few days ago, has left the Jhelum banks unsafe, "making Lal Chowk and adjoining areas more vulnerable to floods." The officials said the land which the "politician has grabbed belonged to the I&FC."
Sources said the politician had long been trying to provide alternative accommodation, other than his own to palatial house to his security personal for their boarding and lodging. His dream has finally realized amid the ongoing political uncertainty.
Interestingly, the first floor of the "barrack" was constructed within a week of the then Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed having fallen sick, while slab was laid when J&K was mourning his sad demise.
Sources said the ex minister, who is also a PDP leader, had secretly got considerable portion of Jhelum bund dug out to lay a strong foundation for upcoming structure which is expected to be multi-storied. "But given the fact that last month Mufti Sahib was scheduled to conduct tour of Srinagar, he (ex minister) got the work stopped at the foundation level so that no one complains to Mufti Sahib about the mischief. However a day of Mufti Sahib's December 23 tour of Srinagar, when he suddenly fall sick and was rushed to New Delhi for treatment, he(PDP leader) found it opportune time to get the work finished at a earliest," said sources in know of the matter.
Sources said despite the cold winter conditions, the politician got the work completed in multiple shifts. While the work on the ground floor has been completed, the politician aims to go for the construction of the first floor in he coming days. "Basically, he wants to take advantage of the ongoing political crises in completing the construction work," said an insider in know of the matter.
He said the politician had been providing accommodation to his security staff inside his mansion.
"However it was unanimously resolved by his family that if the adjacent Jhelum bund is vacant, why not to utilize it for the accommodation," the insider said adding once the building is ready, only the security personnel on vigil would be allowed inside the house. "Others will have to stay back at the external accommodation in the form of this barrack."
A senior official in the I&FC said the matter had come to their notice and they tried to convince the workers that the construction was unlawful and thus would be demolished. "But we were threatened of consequences because that time he was in power," said the I&FC official pleading anonymity.
"To keep our position safe," the I&FC officials, "We subsequently informed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, but they also remained silent on the matter."
However, now, some inhabitants of the area and traders have threatened to move High Court over the Government land grab and illegal construction which can risk their lives and property during floods. Prompted by the threat, the I&FC officials have decided to apprise Governor NN Vohra about the issue.
"In the wake of Governor Rule we will send a letter to the Raj Bhawan for further orders," the I&FC officials said adding the construction was "grossly illegal".
In October 2014, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court directed the state to remove all constructions from the banks of river Jhelum and its tributaries and also stayed the ongoing constructions.
The court also empowered the district Magistrates across Kashmir to remove constructions in their areas along river banks. "District Magistrates are empowered to demolish if any construction is seen in the respective area", the order reads. |
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