Bandipora, May 17(KNS): Several developmental works across north Kashmir’s Bandipora district are reportedly facing delays due to the non-issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) by the Fisheries Department, with contractors accusing the department of creating unnecessary hurdles despite repeated visits and applications.

 

Several contractors and stakeholders informed this correspondent that they had applied for NOCs months ago but are still awaiting clearance, which is affecting construction and mining-related works in various areas of the district.

 

One contractor alleged that he had submitted his application for an NOC in the Fisheries Department in December last year, but despite the passage of several months, no decision has been communicated to him.

 

 “Many officers visited my site for inspection, but to date nothing has moved forward. One officer says the permission is ready while another says they have no information about the case. We are being forced to move from one office to another without any result,” he said.

 

Another contractor claimed that he visited the office of the Assistant Director of Fisheries more than 20 times but rarely found the officer present.

 

 “Every time we visit the office, employees tell us that the officer has an additional charge somewhere else. We are only hearing excuses while our works remain halted,” he added.

 

The aggrieved contractors questioned the alleged inaction of the department and raised concerns over the continuation of illegal extraction activities in various streams and nallahs across the district.

 

They alleged that while legal applicants are being denied or delayed permissions, illegal extraction of sand, bajri and gravel continues openly in areas including Arin and Athwatoo.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

“If mining activities have officially been stopped, then how are more than 50 tippers operating daily in Athwatoo and other streams? Illegal extraction is happening in broad daylight while genuine applicants seeking legal permissions are suffering,” the contractors alleged.

 

They further claimed that influential persons are carrying out extraction activities without facing any restrictions, while those trying to follow legal procedures are being pushed towards losses.

 

“We want to work legally, but the Fisheries Department is forcing us towards illegal methods by unnecessarily delaying permissions,” they said.

 

Meanwhile, the President of the Contractors Association Bandipora Naseer Ahmad Mir also expressed strong resentment over the issue and warned of protests if the matter is not resolved at the earliest.

 

 “Developmental works in the district are getting badly affected. If this continues, we will have no option but to launch protests against the Fisheries Department,” he said.

 

He also demanded the appointment of a permanent Assistant Director of Fisheries for Bandipora, stating that the absence of a full-time officer was causing administrative delays and confusion.

 

The contractors and stakeholders have appealed to higher authorities to intervene in the matter, ensure transparency in the NOC process and take action against illegal extraction activities allegedly going on unchecked in several parts of the district.(KNS)