Ramban: Despite ban on constructions along Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, a large number of illegal and unauthorized structures including multi storey complexes have come up or are under construction on the stretch of National Highway between Banihal and Nashri in Ramban district.
Recently authorities banned construction work within 100 meters either side of the under construction highway and had declared it “no construction zone” . Sources said there seems no let up in the construction of structures from Banihal to Nashri in Ramban district as scores of structures and multiple storey buildings and residential houses have come up on the either sides of the highway.
The illegal structures have come up near the highway at Banihal Ramsu near flyover Ramban Chanderkote Nashri in violation of Ribbon Development Act and the court directions of Jammu Kashmir high court.
People alleged that the Ribbon Development Act is also being violated as the required distance is not maintained by the violators.
The influential people are given a free hand and run by the concerned authorities that is why huge number of multi-storey complex shopping complex have come up places stated above.
Nashri Karool Chanderkote is most affected as there are massive violations in this stretch of the highway.
Even several makeshift tea stalls and “Dhabas” have been constructed at different places aimed at decongesting the towns and to lessen the burden of traffic on the highway the government decided to construct alternative bypasses at various places from Banihal to Nashri.
In Ramban district the highway passes through several towns but the beauty of the areas is being ravaged by the illegal constructions.
DC Ramban Mussarat Islam was not available for his comments.