More illegal constructions in Dal Lake demolished

Srinagar, Jan 3 (UNI) As part of a drive against encroachments and illegal constructions on the world famous Dal Lake, six structures were demolished today by a special squad.

Hundreds of illegal houses and other structures, besides more than three lakh trees, were removed from the lake following court orders last year to clear all encroachments on the water body in an attempt to resotre its pristine glory.

Official sources said the demolition was carried under the supervision of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mehboob Iqbal.

They said 23 houses and other structures besides small tin sheds had been demolished last week.

The demolition drive has been launched to safeguard the world famous Dal Lake, which is a major tourist attraction.

Assisted by police, the officials of different departments had razed to ground more than hundred structures, constructed illegally at Chuntkul, an outflow channel of the lake, despite some resistance last week.

A petition, filed in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, alleged that despite spending crores of rupees during the past 15 years, the condition of the lake had deteriorated.

Despite court orders, illegal construction on and around the lake, including the green belt, was going on. Half a dozen officials of the Lakes And Waterway Development Authority (LAWDA) were suspended for allowing illegal construction on the lake after court orders.

To curb the fresh illegal construction, the authorities have decided to disconnect electricity and water supply to all houses and other structures constructed illegally on the Lake, official sources said.

UNI BAS KD GC1642