Unchecked Residential Constructions Raise Concerns in Anantnag’s Rural Villages

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag,06,October: The Tehsil Salar in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district has witnessed a surge in unchecked residential constructions in the villages of Laddi, Kullar, and Dehwatoo, prompting the Tehsildar Salar to address a pressing letter to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag.

In a recent communique dated July 19, 2023, addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, Tehsildar Salar has highlighted a pressing issue. The letter, received by  “Arising State,” underscores the unchecked surge of construction activities in the villages of Laddi, Kullar, and Dehwatoo, all situated within the jurisdiction of Tehsil Salar.

In the letter, the Tehsildar expressed grave concerns about the ongoing construction activities taking place at a rapid pace in these rural villages. Of particular concern was the fact that these constructions were being permitted by local Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) without considering the consequences and implications of such unchecked growth.

The region in question falls beyond the municipal and Pahalgam Development Authority jurisdictions, and as such, is not governed by the SRO-434 (Rule 155 and 156) issued under Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996. These rules carry penalty provisions, and the authority to enforce them rests with the Block Development Officer.

The Tehsildar noted that the constructions were primarily led by influential individuals who had managed to obtain restraint orders from the Civil Courts. This situation has raised significant concerns about the unchecked urbanization of the area, potentially transforming it into a concrete jungle and causing severe environmental repercussions.

The concerned villages fall within the proximity of the Awoora Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, emphasizing their ecological sensitivity. Therefore, the Tehsildar proposed that the area be considered as a Special Economic Zone or Eco-Sensitive Zone to protect its fragile environment. Additionally, the letter urged the need to sensitize and guide local PRIs regarding the environmental impact of these constructions.

To combat the unorganized growth in rural areas and prevent the unauthorized conversion of agricultural land for construction purposes, the Block Development Officer has been granted the authority to seal buildings constructed or reconstructed in violation of Rule 155.

The letter also referenced significant judgments by the Honorable Supreme Court of India and the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, both of which highlight the importance of safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas and curbing illegal constructions.

‘The Honorable Supreme court of India has passed a remarkable judgement on 03- 06-2022 in IA No. 1000 of 2003 and allied IAs in WP (C) No. 2022 of 1995 titled T N Godaverman Thirumulpad V/S union of India and Ors for safeguarding the Jammu Ramgarh sanctuary by taking it as a special case and declaring the boundary of Eco sensitive Zone. Also, the Honorable High Court of J&K in PIL No. 484/2010 titled pahalgam people’s welfare organisation V/s state and Ors has put a ban on illegal constructions in the said area’,reads the letter.