Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 9: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar, today accused the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) of ignoring large-scale violations, harassing poor people, and overstepping its jurisdiction.
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Speaking to reporters here, Sagar alleged selective action by the authority, claiming that while major violations were being overlooked, poor residents were being made to suffer.
Accusing the LCMA of unnecessary harassment, the MLA said the authority must clearly define its area of operation and focus on protecting lakes.
Sagar claimed he has details of cases on the main Boulevard road where the LCMA is allegedly allowing construction within 250 metres of Dal Lake.
He further alleged illegal filling of water bodies, citing an instance at Nigeen.
“I have evidence that the lake is being filled. For the last three days, soil has been dumped into the lake. In Saida Kadal, sheds are being constructed, land is being filled, and plantations are underway, after which buildings will come up,” he alleged.
The MLA said residents of areas such as Hazratbal and Khanyar were being made to suffer, stressing that permissions for genuine constructions should be eased and demolitions must stop.
“Action should be taken against five-star hotels coming up illegally. Hotels on Mirak Shah Road are also under construction. You are suppressing the poor,” he alleged.
“I request the authorities to stop harassing common people, work within their jurisdiction, and facilitate deserving individuals,” he said.
He added that the LCMA’s agenda should be beautification and cleanliness, but instead, he said, Dal Lake is in a dilapidated condition.
“What jurisdiction do they have in the mountains of Chatterhama? A woman living with three widowed daughters-in-law had her house demolished. Why is the LCMA going there?” he questioned.
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