Anantnag: Overa village in Pahalgam turns into hotelier hub

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag:  After Pahalgam town, Now the Illegal constructions continue to flourish in Overa village of Pahalgam as well, which is about seven kms from the main town.

Pertinently, the tourist resort Pahalgam has been always in news, owing to the unchecked constructions that have been going on in the area.

Talking to Arising State, sources said that the authorities are acting as mute spectators, while the officials are not taking any action against the violators, raising concern with every passing day.

Local sources said that several illegal constructions are currently coming up in the Overa area, on local Nallah, and authorities have failed to take any action on ground.

They said that, These constructions have been going on as some influential people are directly involved in trampling of the laws that disallow construction in the area.

However, official sources said: “the area where these constructions are coming does not fall in the jurisdictions of PDA.”

“The area is technically controlled by some other departments, therefore the PDA cannot intervene as they have no jurisdiction in that area,” they said.

Arising State received an order copy of District commissioner office Anantnag Wide order No DCA/SQ/23/F/C/4731-45 dated 25-07-2023, which reveals that as per the directions of Hon’ble High court, no illegal construction should take place with hundred meters from the banks of Nallah.

“In this connection you are requested to examine the matters and furnish action taken report within one week positively for the kind perusal of the Divisional commissioner/ deputy commissioner,” reads order.

Talking to Arising State, Exn irrigation and flood control department, Anantnag has said that we have also received the information regarding the construction on Nallah at Overa Pahalgam, & have served them notice to stop the construction work on Nallah.

He further said that: “we are monitoring everything, and will not allow anyone to construct any structure on the Nallah.”