Govt orders demolition of illegal structures in Dal: Minister

Jammu, Jan 8 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered removal of all the illegal structures on world-famous Dal lake in Kashmir in order to restore its glory and preserve it from encroachments, Housing and Urban Development Minister Tariq Hameed Karra today said.

Replying to a question in the Legislative Assembly, Mr Karra said, ''the conservation of Dal Lake is the priority of the government for its importance as a national project and heritage site.'' Referring to a survey which was conducted in 1986, wherein it was found that 40,000 families are living in Dal, Mr Karra said it was decided that all the dwellings would be removed from the Lake in a phased manner, but due to unavoidable circumstances it could not be materialised.

Meanwhile, his deputy, Mr Gharu Ram, replying the main question, informed the House that 231 illegal structures had been demolished in Dal lake from the year 2004 to 2007 and no compensation was being paid for them.

''The compensation is being paid only to the identified structures of Dal dwellers on the basis of socio-economic survey, 1986. Strict orders have been issued to the officers and officials to demolish the illegal constructions,'' the MoS added.

UNI VJ SHB AS1839