Suhail Bhat
Srinagar Apr 18 : The residential township of Mirzabagh in Kashmir University is currently grappling with the issue of encroachment on a crucial area, as encroachment by houseboat owners with political backing on the University’s land on the western side of campus on Nigeen Lake has hindered the conduct of water sports activities.
The Kashmir University community, including students, faculty members, and officials, expressed concern over the hindrance of sports activities due to encroachment on university land. According to a university official, houseboat owners have occupied the land for years, and despite repeated deliberations between the houseboat owners and the authorities, there has not been any breakthrough in the issue.
“Several attempts have been made on both sides to settle the issue and rehabilitate the houseboat owners, but the process has failed repeatedly due to one reason or another,” an official told the Excelsior.
An ex-chief proctor, however, alleged that some of the employees in the area, who reside in the vicinity, are hampering the process of eviction. The former official claimed that the university had made several attempts to resolve the issue by offering compensation to the houseboat owners and constructing a boundary wall. However, no action has been taken so far, and the encroachment continues to increase with each passing day.
The Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, Nelofar Khan, said that the issue has been pending for many years but maintained that they will resolve it. “It is an old issue, but I am working on it and will hopefully resolve it,” she said.
The University administration has been engaged in discussions with local authorities to address and take appropriate action against the issue of illegal encroachment. However, the alleged involvement of employees has further complicated the matter. An official stated that “the issue has previously been subject to political interference, but we believe this is the right time to resolve it. Despite our efforts to raise the matter with the local administration, no progress has been made. Therefore, we request a thorough investigation into the matter.”
The houseboat owners also expressed their willingness to vacate the land, provided they are provided with suitable rehabilitation options.
“We have no issues if the authorities provide us with rehabilitation options. Some years back, we were granted a piece of land in another corner of the campus, and the land was even demarcated. However, the process was abruptly halted due to unknown reasons,” Mohammad Ayoub, a houseboat owner who has lived on the land for 50 years said.
The Vice-chairman of LCMA, Bashir Ahmad, told Excelsior that they would look into the matter.
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