KASHMIR NEWS TRUST #KNT
Despite clear-cut orders from the top court that no construction should be permitted at the picturesque tourist resort of Sonamarg, the illegal constructions are going on dozens of influential people have occupied the state land.
Local sources said that scores of ‘dhokas’ have come up in the middle of the Sonamarg. “Adjacent the path leading towards Thajwas Glacier has been occupied by some influential people who not only have erected dhokas but are intending to construct hotels as well. They have unloaded the construction material and even have erected a washroom,” they said adding this place is known as ‘Gada Kuli’.
Sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that earlier the authorities had demolished these structures, however, these people they said enjoy the patronage of a politician and are now again trying to construct the hotels on state land.
“This is a no construction zone and still vested interest elements take advantage of their connections and deface the beauty of this tourist resort,” they said and sought intervention from the LG administration.
They said a vast chunk of state land has been grabbed by influential people.
Local sources said if the authorities don’t wake up, in coming years, Sonamarg tourist resort will lose its sheen. This year the natural beauty of Sonamarg attracted the attention of thousands of tourists but the unscrupulous elements are hell-bent to deface this natural beauty for their own benefit. [KNT]
