Illegal construction persists at the tourist destination Kokernag, while authorities remain silent

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag, 14 Nov: In a brazen violation of norms, Kokernag, a tourist destination in the South Kashmir area of Anantnag district, is witnessing extensive illegal construction. However, concerned officials are keeping mum and not taking any action against the violators to halt the unauthorized building activities in the tourist resort at Kokernag.

According to sources, illegal constructions are underway in several places, including Hangal Gund, Bidder, Vayul, Bidhard, Zalangam, and Daksum areas of Kokernag, falling within the jurisdiction of the Kokernag Development Authority.

Official sources informed the Arising State that illegal construction is occurring in broad daylight in the Bidder and Hangal Gund areas without any permission from the relevant departments in Kokernag.

However, in December 2021, Arising State reported a series of stories on illegal construction at the tourist place in Kokernag. The then Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, Dr. Piyush Singla, took cognizance of reports related to illegal construction in Kokernag and constituted a task force to identify and demolish several illegal constructions.

In 2014, the government had approved the master plan for Kokernag. However, the violators do not have town planning NOCs, nor are they following the master plan for construction in Kokernag, according to official sources.

Meanwhile, speaking to Arising State, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Syed Fakhrudin, assured action.