Khushal Sar: Deputy Mayor Admits Some SMC Staff Facilitated Illegal Construction

Srinagar, May 3, KNT: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Monday carried out a demolition drive against illegal constructions and encroachments at Khushal Sar in the summer capital, as authorities moved to reclaim parts of the deteriorating wetland.

Khushal Sar, once a vast water body stretching from Zoonimar to Aali Masjid, has over the years witnessed extensive encroachment, landfilling and illegal construction, raising concerns among environmentalists and residents about the shrinking lake.

Deputy Mayor Srinagar Parvez Qadri, who led the demolition drive at the site, acknowledged that some employees within the Srinagar Municipal Corporation had facilitated illegal constructions by accepting money from encroachers.

“Yes, there is no denying in the fact that some employees in Srinagar Municipal Corporation grab money and facilitate illegal construction,” Qadri told reporters during the demolition operation.

Officials said the civic body has identified around 300 encroachments in and around the Khushal Sar area.

According to a senior official, the administration has so far demolished 25 encroachments and retrieved approximately 3.75 acres of land from illegal occupation.

Before leading the demolition drive at Khushal Sar, the Deputy Mayor also ordered demolition of some structures that were allegedly being constructed illegally on state land in the Shalteng area.

He later wrote to the Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation seeking suspension of the concerned Ward Officer and a Building Inspector for their alleged role in facilitating illegal construction.

Some of the encroachments in the Khushal Sar area include fenced landholdings, sheds, plinths and under-construction residential structures.

Local residents alleged that corruption within the municipal system had enabled illegal constructions in the wetland area.

One local resident claimed that bribes were allegedly paid to certain employees to facilitate construction.

Environmentalists have repeatedly raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of Khushal Sar and other water bodies in Srinagar.

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz had earlier urged authorities to protect Kashmir’s water bodies after visiting several lakes including Gilsar, Khushal Sar, Anchar and Brari Nambal.

During his visit, Soz warned that the region risks losing its natural water resources if encroachments and environmental degradation continue unchecked.

Environmentalists say Khushal Sar was once known for its clear water, thriving vegetation and livelihood opportunities for locals before rapid urban encroachment began shrinking the lake.

Officials said further action against illegal constructions around the wetland will continue as part of efforts to restore the lake. [KNT]