Illegal Constructions Threaten Nigeen Lake Eco-system
Numerous Hotels and Guests Houses Being Raised Under LCMA Watch
Report by Abrar Mattoo
Threatening the precious ecosystem of Nigeen Lake in Srinagar, numerous constructions, including deck floors of houseboats, houses, hotels, and guests-houses are being raised illegally at Peer Taki, Nigeen Lake Srinagar under the watchful eye of Lake Conservation and Management Authority.
Huge palatial houses, guest houses, and hotels are being raised by well off families in connivance with ground staff of LCMA in and around the Nigeen Lake which threaten the ecosystem of the lake.
Numerous house boat owners have also raised deck floors of the houseboats without even seeking proper permission for the same from LCMA or Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir.
These constructions have been raised by members of Baktoo family, Qadri family, and one person named Qayoom Dar, including many others.
While speaking with our correspondent, Mr. Manzoor Wangnu from Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation said that “illegal is illegal and those meant to take care of the Nigeen lake must be held answerable. Nigeen is a precious lake and we have worked hard to preserve it. The integrity of this lake should not be compromised at any cost.”
Under two hundred meters within the lake radius, no construction is allowed, as per the court order and guidelines of Srinagar Master Plan. However, the constructions are being blatantly raised on the banks of the Nigeen lake under watchful eye of the LCMA officials, violating the integrity of the lake and all government norms.
Despite calls from the poor fisherman community of Nigeen area, no permission for new constructions is given by LCMA, and often, the shanties and houseboats of poor people are demolished by enforcement wing of the department. Yet, when it comes to the affluent personnel raising palatial buildings, guests-houses and hotels, the LCMA officials turn a blind eye, hinting an outright connivance on their part.
According to guidelines, there must be BOCA permission for construction in areas beyond 200 meters. However, many have been given residential permission while as the construction is blatantly commercial in nature.
Even some permissions have been given in the no construction zone for residential purposes, while as the construction is blatantly commercial in nature. A case in point is a permission granted for two storied residential house in no construction zone under order no: 2022/57 in favor of Mr. Muzaffar Ahmad Lily, who is blatantly raising palatial commercial building for hotel purposes, while as the permission granted was for residential house.
When our correspondent spoke with the concerned watcher, Mr. Parvaiz Ahmad, he said that “he is not aware about any construction being raised in his designated area.”
The same response was received from head of LCMA enforcement wing, Abdur Rashid who feighned ignorance regarding the matter. This begs a question whether LCMA staff is either doing a poor job protecting the lake, or is deliberately overlooking the ground situation for material gains.
