SRINAGAR: Encroachment demolition squad of Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) is helplessly looking at illegal constructions coming up in Dal Lake and adjoining areas after the officer heading the squad was transferred.
According to officials, illegal constructions are rampantly coming up at several places in the interiors of the lake for last two weeks but they could not stop them as the Dysp rank officer heading the squad has not been replaced so far. The constructions are going on in areas such as Moti Mohalla, Aasha Bagh, Kani Kachi, Zaar Mohalah.
“We face harassment, injuries, and abuse from the violators and there is always a risk of losing life. In absence of the officer and police protection, we skip demolition drives as fear of getting attacked looms over,” said officials of the squad.
A local Mukhtar Ahmad said that he complained to LAWDA about the violations occurring right now but they have not acted up so far in last two weeks.
He said that construction material enters the area during evening.
Vice Chairman LAWDA, G M Dar admits that anti-demolition drives have been put on hold after the transfer of the officer.
“We agree without police protection demolition squad members are not going for encroachment drive for last many weeks as they fear for their lives. We hope within coming days replacement will happen so that we will again start the drive,” he told Kashmir Reader.
“In our enforcement wing we were having only two Dysps for looking after illegal construction. Although they are not able to look after for whole Dal but somehow they could control the situation,” he added.

NAZIMA SIDIQ