Administrative Shake-Up Follows Report on Illegal Constructions in Kulgam

By Sameer Ahmad | Arising State

Kulgam, May 5: In a swift response to Arising State’s report exposing the unchecked illegal constructions in Kulgam town, the district administration has relieved key officials from additional charges and assigned new responsibilities to streamline enforcement and restore public accountability.

According to an official order issued on Monday, Sh. Towqeer Ahmad (JKAS), BDO Kulgam, has been assigned additional charge of Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Kulgam, replacing Sh. Zahid Sajad, Chief Planning Officer Kulgam, who has now been relieved from the additional charge.

In another development, Sh. Rafiq Ahmad Rafiq, BDO Qaimoh, has been given the additional charge of Executive Officer, MC Devsar, until a permanent arrangement is made by the government.

This administrative reshuffle comes a day after Arising State published a detailed ground report highlighting how illegal construction activity was continuing unabated in Kulgam town, allegedly under the watch of silent officials, and despite a government-imposed ban on such activities—particularly on state land.

The report quoted local sources and residents who raised serious concerns about selective enforcement and the blatant disregard of norms. While common people struggle to obtain permissions for basic constructions, multi-storey shopping complexes and structures were reportedly coming up without clearance, the report revealed.

In the earlier response to Arising State, the then Executive Officer, Zahid Sajad, had claimed that illegal constructions had been halted and that a demolition drive was carried out. However, the administrative reshuffle indicates a clear intent by the district authorities to tighten oversight and restore credibility in enforcement.