J&K govt orders demolition of illegal structures

The Jammu and Kashmir government has directed demolition of illegal structures that came up in Srinagar amid a construction boom in the state for rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by the 2014 floods.
Minister of State for Urban Development Mohammad Ashraf Mir during while inspecting various areas of Karan Nagar and Batmaloo here yesterday passed directions in this regard, a government spokesman said.
Accompanied by officials of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the minister ordered on-spot demolition of illegal structures, he said.
"He directed the officials to ensure demolition of all illegal structures in several areas. He also directed SMC to expedite weekly inspections to check such constructions," the spokesman said.

The Minister also asked the residents of the area to apprise the authorities of such structures so that necessary action could be taken and urged people to seek approval of agencies concerned before raising any structure.
Kashmir is witnessing a massive construction boom as flood-hit people have started rebuilding their homes and business places.
However, some unscrupulous elements, taking advantage of the leniency announced by the government for reconstruction of flood-affected structures, allegedly raised fresh constructions without seeking prior building permission from authorities.