Anger is brewing among Bhagat locals here in Kashmir capital Srinagar against authorities “allowing construction of a commercial complex” in the residential area.
“First Srinagar Municipal Corporation had granted permission for construction of the building for residential purpose and then put the permission order in abeyance after locals resented the move and now to the utter shock of the locals, the construction that too for the commercial complex has started again,” Muhammad Arif Bhat, President local Mohalla committee Nawichbagh, Mehboob Colony Bhagat said.
He appealed Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) to take cognizance of the matter and file a case against those responsible for the mess.
“We had no objection if the building was for residential purpose, but ironically, despite the assurances given by the owner and SMC, the building is only for commercial purposes. It is a residential area and we won’t allow any commercial activity here,” said locals’ adding the lofty structure has breached privacy of entire locality.
The locals demanded action against the SMC Field Staff and accused them of corruption.
They said the petition of owner was earlier rejected by a tribunal after the SMC put the permission in abeyance. “But surprisingly, the SMC didn’t follow the case when he filed second petition in the tribunal. There is something fishy,” they said.
Locals urged the SMC commissioner Gazanfar Ali to order probe and sought intervention of Anti Corruption Bureau into the matter. (KNT)