Illegal Construction Unabated in Kulgam Town, Officials Assure Action

By Sameer Ahmad

Kulgam: Illegal constructions continue unabated in South Kashmir’s Kulgam town, with authorities allegedly turning a blind eye and taking little to no action against the violators.

Sources told Arising State that several illegal structures are reportedly being constructed by influential individuals, with concerned officials remaining silent despite clear violations.

Despite a government-imposed ban, illegal construction activity has also been reported on state land within Kulgam town. Authorities have allegedly failed to take effective action against the encroachers.

Sources revealed that last year, officials had stopped and seized construction activity on a piece of state land near the Degree College in Kulgam. However, the violator has reportedly resumed work at the same site.

“People are taking undue advantage of the lack of enforcement, raising structures without seeking any permission from the concerned authorities,” a source added.

A local resident told Arising State, “While we are forced to run from pillar to post to get permission to construct even a single room, large shopping complexes are coming up without any official clearance. It’s always the poor who suffer.”

Meanwhile, Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee Kulgam, Zahid Sajad, told Arising State that the illegal construction activity has been stopped. “There is no illegal construction going on in Kulgam town. We launched a demolition drive today and demolished some structures near Peaks. No construction will be allowed in the town unless proper permission is obtained from the concerned departments,” he said.