Illegal constructions must face ire

The reports and allegations about the illegal constructions coming up in the Valley especially in Srinagar district are coming to the fore before the authorities. The government has directed the officials to act tough against the persons involved in the illegal constructions. The directions have been passed at a time when the reports about the illegal constructions are being received especially in and around the water bodies including the world famous Dal Lake. A 253rd High Level Committee meeting was chaired by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to discuss various issues of land acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation. In the meeting, the officials have been asked to demolish the illegal structures constructed on encroached land at different locations. The government land belongs to the people and no one must be allowed to occupy it to ensure that the land is made available for the wellbeing of the local populace. There is a need to identify all such places where the land has been occupied and the officials from concerned departments should ensure that the illegal structures are demolished forthwith. The demolition of the illegal structures will help the administration in ensuring the law is followed in letter and spirit. There is a need to ensure that the further encroachment of the government land is prevented so that the place is used for a suitable purpose for the wellbeing of the people.