Lone khalid cni
Srinagar, CNI Hundreds of kanals of State and Forest land in Syedpora Bala, Harwan, and Khimber—falling within the eco-sensitive Dachigam National Park buffer zone have allegedly been illegally encroached upon and sold by a powerful land mafia operating with the suspected collusion of Revenue Department officials.
This region, classified as a Green Belt under the Srinagar Master Plan and falling under the jurisdiction of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), has witnessed rampant environmental destruction. Locals report that heavy machinery, including JCBs, is being used during night hours for illegal soil and rock extraction, flouting multiple environmental protection laws.
Despite the area being protected under the J&K Forest Act and Wildlife Protection Act, the activities continue unchecked. Even repeated complaints to the Tehsildar and the Revenue Department have reportedly fallen on deaf ears, with allegations surfacing that certain officials are actively facilitating the illegal transactions and suppressing action.
Terming the situation an “ecological crime,” an environmental lawyer warned of irreversible damage to biodiversity and state property. “This is not just encroachment, it’s a systematic looting of natural assets in the name of development,” he said.
Adding political weight to the public outcry, Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar has called for a thorough investigation into the illegal soil and land extraction. “This blatant misuse of government land and ecological zones cannot be ignored. I demand an impartial probe and stern action against those involved,” Sagar said.
The affected communities and civil society are demanding a high-level inquiry led by the Chief Secretary and Divisional Commissioner, suspension and prosecution of complicit officials, eviction of encroachers and full restoration of damaged lands and enforcement of all existing environmental protection laws.
The public has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to intervene decisively and restore accountability in one of Srinagar’s most ecologically vital regions. (CNI)