Srinagar- Authorities at the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) have asked the “individuals/encroachers” to remove “illegal encroachments” along the Doodh Ganga Nallah from Allochi Bagh to Chattabal within seven days.
A public notification issued by the Commissioner SMC says that failing to remove the encroachments will invite action by the corporation, including the removal of the encroachments at risk and cost of the “offenders” and “encroachers”.
The notification making rounds on social media reads: “Whereas it has been found that a number of encroachments and illegal structures have come up on the site of Nallah, the removal of these encroachments and illegal structures and restoration of Nallah is important for flood and storm water management in the City.”
It says that for the rejuvenation and restoration of Doodh Ganga Nallah and the removal of encroachments from Doodh Ganga Nallah from Allochi Bagh to Chattabal, they have taken up that under Srinagar Smart City Limited with Drainage Circle (Civil), with SMC as the executing agency. The channel is important for the management of storm water and for preventing urban flooding in Srinagar City, it mentions.
Now, therefore, through this public notice, all such “individuals/encroachers” are given seven days’ time to remove all “encroachments/illegal structures erected on and along the Nallah”.
Experts however said the choking of Doodh Ganga Nallah has also posed a serious threat to the environment and that the authorities must serve notice to everyone having encroached the Jhelum tributary.
Talking to Kashmir Observer, Social activist and one of the petitioner’s in Doodh Ganga case, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat said he welcomes the government initiative to free Doodh Ganga Nallah from encroachers, but more needs to be done.
“Sewage is being thrown in the Doodh Ganga in various localities of civil lines including Bagh-e-Mehtab, Chanapora, Natipora and Bulbul Bagh. Whereas, the government has promised to set up Sewage Treatment Plants (STP’s) but they are nowhere to be seen.” he said, adding SMC under the Smart City Project needs to remove encroachment across the City” , he added.
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