Srinagar, Jan 9, KNT: MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar on Friday leveled serious allegations of abetment of murder, corruption and institutional high handedness against the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority, accusing the body of harassment and selective action that allegedly led to the death of a young man.
Addressing the issue, Salman Sagar said the deceased, identified as Shakeel Ahmed Dar of Shanpora Habak, was humiliated and harassed by LCMA employees to such an extent that he suffered a fatal heart attack. The MLA described the incident as a clear case of abetment of murder and demanded immediate compensation for the bereaved family from the department. He also sought the direct intervention of the Chief Minister in the matter.
The Hazratbal legislator accused LCMA of what he termed as hooliganism and blackmailing of locals, urging the authority to immediately stop harassing inhabitants of Hazratbal and Khanyar assembly segments. He said LCMA must clearly define its jurisdiction and concentrate on genuine conservation of Dal Lake instead of targeting the poor.
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Salman Sagar, as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust alleged that while poor families are subjected to demolition drives and intimidation, influential and business families are being facilitated. He cited an example from Boulevard Road, claiming that a construction initially permitted on 2,200 square feet has allegedly expanded to over 65,000 square feet with a four storey structure coming up unchecked. He said such instances raise serious questions about the credibility and intent of LCMA.
The MLA further alleged that illegal filling of water bodies is taking place behind Nigeen, with material being transported openly in autos, while in areas like Saida Kadal, sheds are being erected, plantations carried out and lakes subsequently filled. He questioned why such activities continue unabated if LCMA claims to be serious about conservation.
Criticizing the authority’s functioning, Salman Sagar said that despite procurement of machinery worth crores of rupees, the condition of Dal Lake remains alarming. He urged LCMA to focus on core conservation measures such as establishing treatment plant and restoring the lake ecosystem instead of concentrating on peripheral areas like Dar, Harwan and Theed.
He appealed to the Vice Chairman of LCMA to stop what he described as a culture of intimidation and blackmail, and to simplify the permission process for genuine cases. “Big hotels are coming up while the poor are being repressed. This double standard must end,” he said. [KNT]
