Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 18: Residents of Srinagar’s Safa Kadal area today demanded compensation for house damages caused by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department’s dredging of the nearby Sonerkul stream.
Residents said that at least four houses were severely damaged after the irrigation and flood control department dredged the nearby Soenrkul stream in 2015, but they are yet to receive compensation despite repeated assurances from the department.
“We opposed the move at first, but cooperated with the department after they assured us that compensation would be paid in the event of any damages, but nothing has happened so far,” Riyaz Ahamd, an affected resident, said.
He alleged that only one house owner who was known to the officials was compensated. “Only one person has been given a compensation of around Rs 6 lakhs. He either paid bride or was known to the officials,” another house owner said, adding that they could not figure out why there was such discrimination and injustice.
They said that they have been running from pillar to post for the past seven years, but nothing was done. “We have been living in unsafe houses and that it is the administration’s responsibility if anything happens to us,” Shabir Ahmad, another resident said, adding that each house has suffered a damage of around Rs 10 lakhs.
He claimed that during a heavy snowfall last year, officials relocated them to another location, but they were asked to return after two days. “Last year, officials arrived after one of our restrooms collapsed due to heavy snowfall. They led us to a safe location. However, after two days, we were evicted from our accommodation. This is a disgrace,” he said.
They claimed that the government formed a committee to investigate the matter a few days ago and that the committee’s findings halted the process, citing an excessive delay in the entire process. “Why did the administration stall the process when the delay was caused by the I&FC department?” they questioned.
Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood control Srinagar, AIjaz Ahmad told Excelsior that they have already recommended the cases to the government and are expecting their redressal soon. “We recently send a report to the government and they have sought certain clarifications. We will send the necessary details in some days and the issue will be resolved,” he said.
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