Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 3: The district administration today carried out demolition drive and bulldozed two structures that were erected along the sides of newly constructed stretch of highway between Qazigund and Sangam in South Kashmir.
Daily Excelsior in edition of Aug 3 had carried a story regarding the unabated raising of illegal structures along the new alignment of the highway from Qazigund- Sangam in South Kashmir that was built to lessen the burden on the main Highway. Ever since the new alignment was thrown open for the traffic scores of shops and a few multistory shopping complexes have come up along the sides of the highway.
As per the official statement of the district administration, one shopping complex and a concrete bathroom constructed on the agricultural land along the highway were demolished at village Malpora, Alstop. However, the statement read, demolition drive was stopped after locals protested against the move. “During the demolition of second shopping complex a huge gathering of people raised slogans and blocked the highway. Fearing deterioration in the law and order problems, the demolition squad had to retreat from the place,” the statement read.
The handout read that the non-cooperation from the police was putting the lives of their demolition squad at risk. “We need assistance from Paramilitary security forces and a supervision of a superior officer,” the statement said.
The district administration said that they have found more than 61 cases of violations along the highway including construction of commercial structures and erecting small tin sheds along the sides of the road. “Out of those, as per the official figures, at least 30 structures have been demolished and 15 small encroachments removed. Besides, fine has been imposed against 11 people for other violations.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Younis Malik, when contacted said the demolition drive would continue if there were “no law and order problems in the town”.
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