Illegal Construction Continues in Sonamarg Despite High Court Restrictions, Residents Allege
Ganderbal, Oct 19, KNT: Alleged illegal construction continues at several locations in the scenic tourist destination of Sonamarg despite restrictions imposed by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with residents raising concerns over the enforcement of the ban and the protection of the area’s fragile environment.
Locals and sources familiar with the situation allege that construction materials continue to enter Sonamarg despite the establishment of an enforcement wing by the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) and a checkpoint at Shatkari intended to prevent their transportation into the area. The allegations have raised questions about the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanism and the implementation of the court-imposed restrictions.
According to locals large tin sheds have been erected at different locations and are allegedly being used to carry out construction work from within the structures, making the activities less visible from outside. They claim that unauthorised construction is continuing on a significant scale despite the restrictions.
Sources also alleged that a shed measuring approximately 60 feet by 60 feet has been erected close to the Sonamarg Development Authority office. Although a notice or sheet of paper has reportedly been pasted on the structure, construction work is allegedly continuing inside it.
Construction activities are also reportedly underway inside several hotels, while work is said to be progressing in Sonamarg village. These claims could not be independently verified, and the nature and extent of the alleged violations remain to be established.
A Wildlife Department officer alleged that the department was not receiving the necessary cooperation from the Sonamarg Development Authority in preventing unauthorised construction. The officer said the lack of coordination between the concerned departments was making enforcement more difficult and could encourage continued violations.
The alleged movement of construction materials despite the checkpoint at Shatkari has also prompted questions about the functioning of the SDA’s enforcement wing. However, allegations of collusion in the transportation of materials have not been independently established.
Sonamarg, a prominent tourist destination in Ganderbal district, is known for its alpine landscape and ecologically sensitive surroundings. Unregulated construction in such areas can raise concerns over environmental degradation, pressure on local infrastructure and the long-term sustainability of tourism.
Stakeholders have demanded the constitution of a high-level committee to examine construction activities across Sonamarg, verify whether the ongoing work violates court restrictions, and identify officials or private parties responsible for any established violations.
They have also called for the concerned authorities to inspect the reported structures, examine the movement of construction materials and clarify what action has been taken to enforce the restrictions. [KNT]
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