Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Sept 11: District Administration Reasi has decided to constitute an anti-encroachment cell to conduct a survey and prepare a report about the illegal constructions in the holy town of Katra and initiate action under law against the encroachers.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by District Magistrate (DM), Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary convened to discuss the measures to check illegal constructions and encroachment of forest and state land in and around the holy town of Katra, the base camp for the pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
It was decided that Tehsildar Reasi, KDA, Municipality authorities at Katra, SSP Reasi and SP Katra would conduct a survey to list encroachments and come up with a report for further action under law. The Building Operations and Controls Authority was asked to give permissions in such cases which do not involve any violation of the Master Plan under J&K Development Act 1970 or J&K Agrarian Reforms Act 1976.
The DM directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for mapping all the forest land in and around the holy town of Katra and along the highway leading to it, remove all encroachments and take further protective measures. He was also asked to put up boards along forest land giving contact details of forest officers for reporting encroachment by the general public. Tehsildar Reasi was directed for taking similar measures with regard to state land.
Chief Executive Officer, Superintendent of Police, Executive Officer Municipal Committee and Tehsildar will file detailed report on encroachment or violation if any. CEO Katra Development Authority was asked to initiate acquisition of land earmarked for civic amenities and public utilities.
Meanwhile, Forest Department Reasi launched a massive anti encroachment drive and dismantled advertisement billboards and hoardings illegally erected on Domail-Katra Road.
More than 15 Advertisement Hoardings were removed and scores of others were defaced and demolished. This has been done in accordance with provisions of J&K Forest Act. This has also to be seen in the light of the recent ban on illegal constructions in Katra town imposed by High Court and the subsequent action taken report asked from the authorities.
The material including Girders, angel iron & plastic flexes were seized. The department would also initiate confiscation proceedings before the Authorized Officer (DFO Reasi). The operation was successfully completed under the close supervision of the Conservator of Forests, West Circle Rajouri and the Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu.
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