Srinagar, November 3: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom, IAS, has ordered an intensified enforcement drive against illegal encroachments, unauthorised constructions and violations of municipal regulations across Srinagar, warning that officials failing to act against such violations will also face accountability.
The directions were issued during a comprehensive review meeting of the Enforcement Wing chaired by the Commissioner on Monday to assess enforcement activities and review action against violations across the city.
The meeting was attended by Joint Commissioners (Administration) for East and South zones, Joint Commissioner (Revenue) for West and North zones, Assistant Legal Remembrancer, Chief Enforcement Officer, Zonal Enforcement Officers and all Ward Officers.
Reviewing the enforcement measures undertaken so far, the Commissioner called for intensified field inspections and closer supervision to ensure that illegal encroachments, unauthorised constructions and violations of building permissions are dealt with promptly. He directed officers to act decisively and ensure that public complaints are not left unattended.
The Commissioner directed the concerned Joint Commissioners to undertake comprehensive verification of all ongoing and newly raised constructions within their respective jurisdictions to ascertain compliance with approved building permissions and municipal regulations. A definite timeline has been prescribed for completing the exercise, with officers asked to submit compliance reports within the stipulated period.
He also directed the constitution of enforcement cells under the Joint Commissioners and the formation of flying squads for prompt response and verification of field reports. An online platform will also be developed to enable the public to report grievances and violations.
Emphasising that public spaces must be protected from encroachments, the Commissioner said no one would be permitted to undertake construction in violation of approved permissions. He stressed that enforcement must remain uniform and impartial, irrespective of the individuals or interests involved.
The Commissioner also underscored accountability within the Enforcement Wing, directing supervisory officers to keep their respective jurisdictions under constant watch. He cautioned that negligence, dereliction of duty or deliberate failure to act against violations would invite strict disciplinary action.
In a significant accountability measure, the Commissioner ordered withholding of salaries of three Zonal Enforcement Officers over lapses in discharging their assigned responsibilities. The action underscores the Corporation’s firm stance that supervisory and field-level officials will be held directly accountable for enforcement failures and negligence in preventing or acting against illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions.
Calling for sustained field-level enforcement beyond routine inspections, he stressed effective coordination among zonal and ward-level functionaries and visible action against violations.
The Commissioner directed the Enforcement Wing to deliver measurable results, reiterating that safeguarding public spaces, enforcing building regulations and ensuring compliance with municipal laws must remain key priorities of the Corporation.
