Chief Engineer Orders Action Over Illegal Works Along Nallah Sindh | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has intensified its scrutiny of construction activities along Nallah Sindh in Ganderbal after Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Kashmir, Shaukat Hussain, took strong note of reports about ongoing violations near the watercourse.

The Chief Engineer said that the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has imposed a complete ban on any construction within 100 metres on both sides of the Nallah and stressed that no individual or agency will be allowed to breach the court directive.

The Chief Engineer said after receiving inputs from the field, he sought a detailed report from the Executive Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, Ganderbal, Nadeem Mattoo, regarding illegal structures and ongoing activities along the embankments. “The Executive Engineer informed me that multiple departments, including Rural Development and Revenue, are coordinating to stop such works and that demolition drives supervised by the SDM Kangan are already underway at several locations.”

The Chief Engineer added that he has directed all illegal construction activity along both banks must be halted immediately and legal action initiated against those violating the court order. He also asked for continuous monitoring to prevent fresh encroachments and ensure protection of the water channel.

Meanwhile, insiders said that the Chief Engineer has expressed concern that some individuals obtain NOCs and then shift their construction closer to the water body in violation of guidelines. “He has instructed the Executive Engineer not to issue further NOCs for any construction near the Nallah and to ensure strict compliance with the High Court’s 100 metre restriction,” insiders added. [KNT]