Pursuant to a high court order directing action against encroachments on River Jehlum and its tributaries, district administration Baramulla has issued a circular directing the concerned officials to implement the court order in letter and spirit.
“In compliance to the directions passed by the Honourable high court of Jammu and Kashmir, all the revenue authorities (ADC, ACR, SDMs, Tehsildars, police authorities, officers concerned of irrigation and FC department, with SHO concerned shall ensure immediate demolition of such structures. Any delinquency on this account shall be at the personal risk of the officers concerned,” reads the circular.
Though the officials of the irrigation and flood control department Baramulla had started to scrutinize records, however, no steps were taken so far to identify the encroachments on banks of Jehlum and its tributaries.
“We will definitely compile the records of encroachment on the banks of river Jehlum and its tributaries by next week,” said Executive Engineer, I&FC, division Sopore.
Various tributaries of Jehlum which include Ningli, Pohru, Shiva, Gundari, Hapath Khy, Mundri, Ferozpora Nallah and Khalree Kul Wagoora are flooded with illegal constructions on their banks.
“The banks of Nallah Ningli in Kandi area of Baramulla has been completely encroached on either sides,” claims Haroon Ahmad of Wagoora.
In Baramulla and Sopore towns the litmus test for the administration will be to see how they deal with the structures on Jehlum banks.
When contacted, deputy commissioner Baramulla said that in case of any illegal construction being spotted on the banks of Jehlum or on its tributaries, such constructions would be demolished immediately.
“In the light of high court order, no construction on the banks of river Jehlum or streams will be allowed,” he said.
Bla admn to act against encroachment on Jehlum banks
