Srinagar, May 14: Khushal Sar was considered a famous lake in this City, stretching from Zadibal to Zoonimar area. But for the now it’s shrinking due to illegal encroachments coming up on the banks of this lake, while the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is turning blind eye towards illegal constructions.
 At present, the construction works are going on at different places around the lake. The residents alleged that there was nexus between some SMC officials and the people opting for the constructions.
 “We are surprised by the behavior of SMC. Despite broad daylight constructions, no action has been initiated against them,” the residents said.
 “I fail to understand why SMC officials are not initiating any action. When any poor person is undertaking construction, these officials inspect the site and ask for Building permission. But what happens to them, when number of illegal constructions are coming up on the banks of Khushal Sar?” asked a resident of Firdous Colony Dr Ali Jan road.
 He said the government should initiate high level enquiry on the number of constructions that have come up around this lake illegally.
 Residents alleged that it was not possible for anyone to undertake construction without getting building permission from the SMC.
 Besides, they said the lake was being land filled. Over the years, formation of floating island both from the peripheries and in the centre of this water body is one of the biggest problem that has changed shape of Khushal Sar.
 The residents alleged that some influential people during night hours resort to land filling.
 When contacted, Commissioner, SMC, Dr GN Qasba said: “We will tomorrow visit the site and remove the encroachments. It is indeed very sad that illegal construction have come up at this place.”
 Qasba added: “We will also initiate action against the concerned field officials whoever found guilty.”

Lastupdate on : Mon, 14 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 14 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 IST