PDA serves demolition notices to illegally constructed hotel owners in Movera

PDA serves demolition notices to illegally constructed hotel owners in Movera

Environment activists doubt the move; say it’s aimed to shield influential violators

Saahil Suhail

Anantnag, August 8: After facing the public ire while carrying out selective demolition drive in Movera and adjacent notified areas of Phalgam, Phalgam Development authority has served demolition notices to dozens of illegally raised structure owners; however the environment activists alleged that Development Authority was shielding the illegally raised structures owners other than stopping the haphazard constructions besides High Court ban.  

Official sources told Early Times that notice were issued to over dozen influential and rich violators including son-in-laws of state cabinet ministers representing Indian National Congress in Omar Abdullah’s Cabinet.

They said that violators to clarify their position whether they have violated the High court ban or not? Notices were served to violators under Section 7(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir control Building operation Act 1988.   

Notices served to violators are directing them to demolish their illegally raised constructions in case they have no permission from the state high court and have raised the constructions after July 2013- the month of previous year   doesn’t mention any specific time or time period after which the area was brought under the ambit of Phalgam Development Authority.

However the social and environment activists of this famous tourist attraction doubted the PDA’s move and said that it is aimed to shield the violators from any kind of action.

“Instead of stopping the illegal constructions, Phalgam development Authority in nexus with other departments is allowing constructions and minting the money from rich and influential violators. This notice being served has two benefits for PDA; those who are rich will prove that they raised the constructions before July 2013 and those who can’t, will be asked to bribe the PDA officials through agents.” Mushtaq Phalgami, a social activist of Phalgam told Early Times over phone.

He alleged that PDA was providing ample opportunities to violators and was facilitating the illegal constructions besides high court ban. “what is the fun of asking violators whether they have raised the constructions before 2013 or after 2013 when honorable High Court has assigned the Development authority to stop the constructions and keep vigil eye on violations.” He said, adding these face saving moves will not help the corrupt officials in any way.

Chief Executive Officer, Phalgam Development Authority (PDA) on being confirmed that he had served demolition notices to owners who he suspected that they might have raised the constructions after July 2013.

“As you know I have taken up as CEO PDA recently so I served to notices to those only whom we suspected has raised the constructions illegally after July 2013.” Mohd Yousf CEO PDA told Early Times, adding violators have been asked to clarify their position before we start the mass demolishing drive in the area.