Srinagar, Mar 9: A patch of Khacharai land in Khonmoh area of Srinagar outskirts is being allegedly diverted and used for the purpose of constructing new factories.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), locals have alleged that Khacharai land of nearly 250 kanals are being diverted by the administration and is being handed over to the Smallscale Industries Development Corporations (SIDCO).
Sources said that on Tuesday the officials in the Revenue Department reached the spot to handover the patch of Khacharai land to the SIDCO following which the locals raised hue and cry and opposed the move.
Public Welfare Trust President, Zahoor Ahmad Shah said that over 200 kanals of Khacharai land, located in Khonmoh area, is being “grabbed” by the authorities.
He said that the land is being used for grazing purposes and the Lieutenant Governor during the recent public meeting with the locals of Khonmoh has assured that the land won’t be given to any of the departments.
General Secretary of the Trust, Parvez Ahmad told KNO that the authorities have already taken control of 1100 kanals of land in the area where factories and other buildings were raised, “but this time they won’t be allowed to grab the Khacharai land.”
“In case the land will be grabbed, there will be no place available for the cattle,” he said.
Sources within the Revenue Department said that a year ago, they were asked to share details of vacant land of Khacharai. “We shared the details of the land as per the directions received. After elapsing nearly four months, the cabinet order was issued in which it was stated that the patch of land will be given to the SIDCO for coming up with industries and other related purposes,” they said.
“After locals expressed resentment today, the administration has decided to hold a meeting tomorrow with the locals to come up with a solution in this regard,” he said. —(KNO)