In flagrant disregard of High Court directives, illegal constructions persist unabated within the confines of the Ganderbal district, most notably along the Nallah Sindh, as the competent authorities seem to exhibit inertia. These illicit edifices sprawl from Wayul to Gagangeer, encompassing a gamut of structures, including both residential and commercial. Local denizens have voiced their disquiet over the fact that these constructions are being undertaken by influential individuals, while the authorities appear to ignore many violations, resorting to selective enforcement actions and predominantly failing in their regulatory endeavours.
The rule of law must prevail under any circumstances, but it seems the guardians of the law are just turning a blind eye to these violations. These constructions flagrantly contravene the High Court’s unequivocal prohibition of any development within a 100-metre radius of the River Sindh. It is imperative that while the courts can issue edicts, the authorities must diligently ensure their enforcement on the ground. In this digital era, excuses about a dearth of personnel are untenable. When residents voice their apprehensions and promptly inform the authorities, immediate and resolute counteraction must be guaranteed. However, it appears that the authorities habitually turn a blind eye to recurrent violations, citing undisclosed reasons for their inaction. The resultant harm inflicted upon water bodies and the environment transcends the bounds of imagination. One infraction begets another, and in actuality, numerous buildings come up in open defiance of court orders. These circumstances raise profound concerns for the environment and ecology.
UT authorities have already issued directives to safeguard the embankments alongside rivers. Nevertheless, despite these directives, unchecked encroachments persist. Stringent measures must be instituted to protect the land following the Court’s mandates. Superior authorities must issue instructions to ground-level personnel to rigorously scrutinise and curb such violations. The District Administration, for its part, must take appropriate measures against the culpable departments for their neglect of duty. Timely actions against transgressions serve as the sole effective deterrent.
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