District Development Commissioner Pulwama Ghulam Mohammad Dar today convened a meeting of officers to curb the erection of illegal structures along National Highway, other roads and the trend of “uncontrolled and unscientific extraction” of sand, clay, gravel, bolder and other materials from river Jhelum, Streams and Nallahs in the district.During the meeting, it was pointed out that the illegal extraction of sand from River Jhelum, streams and Nallahs is being done by some miscreants particularly in areas like Pampore, Kakapora, Awantipora and Galandar, which has endangered the embankments of River Jhelum and its tributaries. It was also discussed that illegal structures have also come up along National Highway, circular road and other roads in the district by unscrupulous elements despite it being legally prohibited.On the occasion, the DDC directed the line departments and stakeholders to take immediate measures to prevent such malpractices henceforth. He ordered for deployment of Magistrates for prevention of illegal extraction of sand, gravel and bolder at these places in coordination with respective police authorities and to lodge FIR against illegal sand, gravel and bolder extractors and those elements who are involved in the erection of illegal structures.
He directed to seize their material, men and machinery so that such illegal activities are prevented to safeguard the roads and embankments of Jhelum.DDC also chaired a separate meeting of officers in which directions were passed to the Chief Horticulture Officer, Tehsildars and other revenue officials to immediately assess the losses suffered by the fruit growers and orchardists due to untimely snowfall in the District.On the occasion, DDC constituted tehsil wise teams consisting of officers from Revenue Department, Horticulture and Agriculture Department which would assess the damage and extent of losses. The teams have been directed to submit the report within 3 days. Moreover, he urged upon the officials from Horticulture Department to carry out a spot survey of horticulture belts in the district, so that the futuriste fruit-bearing capacity could be ascertained.Executive Engineer R&B, Chief Horticulture Officer, Tehsildar Pulwama, Rajpora, Awantipora, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees, District Information Officer and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.