KNB News Desk
Srinagar 26 May (KNB): Residents of Government Housing Colony in Shuthra Shahi area of central Kashmir’s Srinagar district, irritated and frustrated due to the illegal commercial activities within the residential locality.
JK Housing Board developed the Housing Colony purely for residential purposes but as per residents some unscrupulous persons have been carrying illegal commercial activities in the colony causing immense difficulties to them on a daily basis.
On the basis of anonymity, a person from the locality told news agency Kashmir News Bureau that a building alongside a couple of others in the residential locality has been established for commercial activities.
“The use of heavy vehicles in front of the buildings, around the society and even parking of these vehicles within the area has created a hectic situation and resulted in obstruction of free flow of the traffic on daily basis,” he said, adding that such commercial activity in the residential area is putting the safety and security of the residents, especially the old aged and children in jeopardy.
He added, “Officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) had sealed the building once but after some time it was set open again.”
“After being subjected to a complete mess due to the commercial activities in the colony, the members of Joint Coordination Committee went to the Chief Town Planner to confirm the status of our area and his response was as expected; that the area is non commercial and only developed for residential purposes.” The resident added.
Members of the Joint Coordination Committee Housing Colony told Kashmir News Bureau that they forwarded the complaint regarding this matter to SMC again but no action was taken.
“We went to the High Court regarding these illegal commercial activities and the order came in our favor,” they claimed, adding, “The same file was taken to Mayor of Srinagar, who ensured that the issue will be resolved and forwarded the file to the concerned officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation.”
“In fact, (Ex) Commissioner SMC, Enforcement Officer and Ward officer stated for the resealing of the building violating the actual Land Use of the area,” the members of the Committee said.
The members of the Joint Coordination Committee told Kashmir News Bureau that despite the direction from the higher officials of the corporation, SMC didn’t seal the structure and the crucial issue was taken to the Advisor to Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Baseer Khan.
First time, the issue was brought into notice of Advisor Baseer Khan on 25th of March 2021 during a public durbar.
“He gave clear cut directions to the Commissioner SMC to take action in this matter,” they said.
“Commissioner SMC Athar Aamir Khan, in written, directed the Enforcement Officer to take necessary action in this matter within two days, but since then more than 2 months have passed and the commercial activity in our area, especially in the building is still going on,” Committee told KNB.
As per the residents of the area, since the directions from Commissioner SMC, they have been contacting Chief Enforcement Officer Mudasir Banday regarding the issue but barely any positive response has been given.
“He misbehaved with us on several occasions and once also said, ‘I’ll do it whenever I feel like’,” the residents said.
They further accused the Chief Enforcement Officer for delaying the action against the illegal commercial activities taking place in the Government Residential Colony.
Pertinent to mention that recently, on 22 May 2021, the Joint Coordination Committee Shuthra Shahi, again brought the matter in the notice of Advisor Baseer Khan, as no action has been taken by the SMC.
Undersigned by the OSD to Advisor BK, SMC was again directed to take immediate action and revert with a report to the office immediately.
Moreover, regarding the issue, Commissioner SMC Athar Amir Khan told KNB that a team will be constituted to look into the matter within this week.
“Within a day or two, I’ll send a team to know about the existing situation on ground and afterwards, while keeping in consideration the directions from the High Court as well, whatever further action is required will be taken.” he assured.
About the alleged misbehavior from the Chief Enforcement Officer, SMC Commissioner said that whosoever has faced any misbehavior from any officer of the corporation, can reach out to him anytime, “I’ll take action”, he said. (KNB)